What is star anise classified as?

Star anise is classified as a fruit because it is the dried fruit of the Illicium verum tree, which belongs to the family Schisandraceae. The star-shaped pods contain seeds, and what we commonly refer to as star anise is actually the mature fruit with its characteristic star shape. The flavor comes from the essential oil contained in the fruit, which is rich in anethole, contributing to its distinct taste and aroma used in various cuisines and traditional medicine.

Understanding the classification of star anise as a fruit helps clarify its culinary applications, as fruits are generally used for their aromatic and flavorful properties in cooking. This distinguishes star anise from vegetables, which are typically parts of plants like leaves or stems, and from herbs, which are generally aromatic plants used for seasoning or medicinal purposes. Although it shares characteristics with flowers in terms of its flowering plant origin, its dried form and usage align it closely with fruits in culinary contexts.