I'm just now reading this thread. Star anise in root beer? Hmmm, that sounds interesting and makes sense although I never would've thought of it in a thousand years. It is commonly found in Asian markets, very cheap. Not the powder but the whole pod. As you know, it is one of the spices in 5 Spice Powder. I love the flavor in simmered Asian beef dishes, but the pods are so heavily scented that I have to keep them stored away from all my other herbs, seeds and powders otherwise everything will smell like star anise soon. Probably 1 pod is enough to flavor more than a gallon of liquid, otherwise it will overpower everything else.
I'm looking forward to seeing your results!
