[Sca-cooks] Herby things

[Elaine Koogler]

Susan Fox-Davis wrote:

> Aniseed could probably be substituted for star anise, but I would 
> taste carefully because it is strong stuff!  I have only found star 
> anise for sale pre-ground in a Chinese market. 
> Me:
>
I got the actual stars from Penzey's...and I wouldn't substitute 
aniseed...I think the flavors are somewhat different.

> No, it is actually illegal in the US due to some claim of a parasite 
> in the citrus-like tree on which they grow.  That would be an issue in 
> citrus-growing states like mine!  I'm wondering if they grow it in 
> Australia, Japan or other places and if it is legal if it is not from 
> China proper.  Other names include "flower pepper" or "Japanese Sansho 
> pepper."  I have not tried this spice but it is supposed to have some 
> bite and some liquorice-type flavor, which is why they substitute 
> aniseed for it in Chinese 5-Spice you get here. 
> Looking for spice in my life, Selene in LA

I can get sansho pepper at most oriental grocery stores.  In fact, I 
just bought some a couple of weeks ago.  I haven't tried to buy the 
Szechuan pepper in quite some time and didn't realize that they were the 
same. 

Kiri