Star anise is the main ingredient in Chinese five-spice powder and is often added to steamed or chicken dishes in its entirety. Star anise can be removed before serving, but in the east, the entire spice, such as cinnamon, cloves, and star anise, remains on the plate and you can simply push it sideways when you're ready to eat. Star anise is shaped like an eight-pointed star and contains anise-flavored seeds derived from the essential oil of spice, anethole. This is one of the five spices found in Chinese five-spice powder.