Five spice powder is a traditional blend of spices that is widely used in Chinese cooking to season meats, seafood, braises, and baked goods. It is named for the five elements: fire, water, air, wood, and metal. Five spice can refer to a number of blends that feature five or more spices but the general consensus is that it must contain star anise, cloves, fennel seeds, cinnamon sticks, and Sichuan pepper. Other blends might include cardamom, ginger, nutmeg, and other warm spices.