
Chinese Five-Spice: Balance in a Pinch
Philosophy in a Blend
Chinese five-spice embodies yin-yang and the five elements. Each spice represents a flavor: star anise (sweet), cloves (pungent), cinnamon (hot), Sichuan pepper (numbing), fennel (salty).
Traditional Composition
- Star anise
- Cloves
- Chinese cinnamon (cassia)
- Sichuan peppercorn
- Fennel seeds
Uses
Rub for roast duck and pork belly. Marinade for char siu. Seasoning for braised dishes.






