Chinese star anise - do you grind only the seeds or the whole pod?

Question

Chinese star anise - do you grind only the seeds or the whole pod?

Answer 1

Just add the star anise while cooking as grinding it can overpower the other flavors in your dish.

Answer 2

I add the whole pod. That way, as the meat stew cooks, I keep tasting and remove the pod when the stew reaches my desired spiciness.

Answer 3

Grind the whole star for best flavor, in a sturdy mortar and pestle, grind the whole star anise pods until fine.  Alternately you can use an electric coffee/spice grinder to finely grind star anise.

Answer 4

Or just add it whole as a flavor enhancer, like a bay leaf and remove before serving.