While black pepper is called the spice king, cardamom takes the title of the spice queen, partly because of the importance it has held in the spice trade, but also because it is the second most expensive spice in weight after saffron. Cardamom is expensive because it grows in remote places.
It has a slight taste of liquorice and can be used in many dishes and in combination with various spices.
Star anise is unsurpassed in soups, for chicken, in rice, for stews and in sweet dishes.