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What is Chinese Five Spice?

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What is Chinese five spice?

What is Chinese Five Spice?

Warm, sweet, and aromatic, Chinese Five Spice 五香粉 is the principal spice blend used in Chinese cooking.

The classic Sichuan-style Chinese Five Spice Powder is a careful blend of five primary fragrances (wu xiang 五香), that when combined, form a perfect balance of flavors. Our Sichuan-style Chinese Five Spice Powder begins with the earthy, spicy, citrusy flavor of Sichuan peppercorns, blended with the refreshingly licorice-like star anise and fennel seeds. But unlike versions commonly found in the US, we slowly add in the star anise and fennel as not to overpower the blend with the aroma of licorice. Then we mix in the rich, warming, sweet flavors of clove and cinnamon until the five fragrances harmonize into one.

What is Chinese five spice?

Our special version of this classic mix is inspired by the famous “Mixed Spices Powder” from Penang, Malaysia (Reese’s home), which includes additional spices - most notably citrus powder, cardamom, and nutmeg.  Our Penang-style Chinese Five Spice begins with the key ingredients of star anise, fennel, cinnamon, and clove.   When we strike the right balance, we then mix in touches of coriander, white & black pepper, cardamom, and Indonesian nutmeg.  And as the layers of flavor merge into a warming, delectable blend, we sprinkle in premium orange peel to give the Chinese Five Spice a hint of citrus.

What is Chinese Five Spice?  To find out, try one of these blends in your next recipe!