Seasoning - Wu-fen (Five Spice)

Wu-fen, also known as Chinese five spice, is a staple seasoning of traditional Chinese cuisine. It consists of five ingredients: star anise, cinnamon (or Chinese cassia), fennel seeds, Sichuan pepper and cloves. Each component contributes to the characteristic sweet, spicy and pungent flavour typical of Chinese and Asian dishes. It is used to marinate meat (especially pork and duck), in broths, sauces and rice dishes. Only a small amount is needed as the blend is highly aromatic. Five spice is an indispensable part of authentic Chinese cooking and gives dishes a deep, complex flavour.