Cloves Vs Star Anise
As the name suggests star anise is star shaped and it has mahogany colored pea sized seeds present in each of its eight segments.
Cloves vs star anise. It can be replaced with flavors like fennel seeds cinnamon clove etc. It pairs well with coriander cinnamon cardamom and clove. Star anise is similar to standard anise seed.
Star anise illicium verum contains eugenol and this is why star anise can be a substitute for cloves. Like allspice cloves do not have star anise s licorice notes. Star anise is a dark brown colored fruit that comes from a small evergreen tree or bush.
Note that caraway. Star anise has a distinct licorice flavor similar to that of anise or fennel though it s not related to either of these spices. The combination of caraway seeds with tarragon can add a sufficient licorice kick to replace star anise.
Like other spices cloves are available throughout the year. Cloves are another potential star anise stand in. However adding some can provide a significant amount of sweetness along with some of the bitter notes.
Be careful when purchasing star anise. Eugenol is a powerful chemical found in many other spices including cinnamon and cloves.