Moisture Level of Star Anise: To Remain the Quality

For dried spice, there are many factors that affect its quality. In which moisture level is one of the most important factor. Star anise – a dried spice from Vietnam – is also a spice that requires a certain moisture level to remain its quality. In this post, let’s discover the ideal moisture level of star anise from Vietnam.

Processing of Star Anise

Star anise is harvested twice a year in Vietnam. First, the spring harvest occurs from March to April. Then, the autumn harvest takes place from August to November. A star anise tree needs to be at least five years old before people can harvest its fruits.

The harvesting process is labor-intensive. Farmers carefully climb the trees to select only the ripest and most fragrant fruits. These star anise fruits will eventually become the prized star anise spice. It can only be harvested twice a year in a short period, and the harvesting process is so hard. So, this spice is a “rare” product.

Moisture level of Star Anise

Picking: Farmers selectively pick ripe star anise fruits from the trees. 

Drying: After harvesting, the fruits are spread out in the sun to dry. This process intensifies their flavor and preserves them for long-term use. In this step, producers focus on achieving the ideal moisture level of star anise. The moisture level of whole star anise (spring and autumn star anise) is at 13% max. While the moisture level of broken star anise is 13.5% max. This level is good enough to retain the flavor of this spice, and also helps to store anise for a long time.

Hand-sorting: As mentioned earlier, hand-sorting is crucial. Each pod is inspected meticulously to ensure it meets quality standards. The farmers discard the imperfect, broken or discolored pods.

Sorting by size: Then they sort them by size. Larger, more intact pods are often preferred for export. In comparison, smaller ones may be used domestically or in spice blends.

Whole or Broken Star Anise?

As we may know, Vietnam star anise has 2 basic forms: whole dried anise and broken dried anise. People raise this question when choosing to buy between 2 forms of anise, which one is better for use? Let’s find out the answer!

Whole star anise: These intact star-shaped pods are harvested just before ripening. There are 2 categories of star anise including:

• Dried anise type I (Season anise – autumn anise): Anise petal length above 2.5cm (accounting for 80% of the total quantity).
• Dried anise type II (Four-quarter anise – spring anise): Anise petal length is from 2 – 2.5cm (accounting for 85% of the total quantity).

Broken star anise: These are fragmented or partially damaged pods. While they may not be as visually appealing, they still retain mainly the basic characteristic flavor and aroma of star anise. However, the price for this product is much lower than the whole anise.

So, when it comes to quality, appearance and experience, the whole anise is the best choice. However, broken star anise offers a better price for you with nearly the same quality!

Spring Star Anise

People harvest spring star anise (during the spring months (March to April). People also call spring star anise as Dried anise type II (or Four-quarter anise). This kind of star anise has the following characteristics.

• Size: It is typically smaller and more slender than the autumn star anise. Anise petal length is from 2 – 2.5cm (accounting for 85% of the total quantity).
• Color: Spring star anise has a darker, richer color than its autumn one.
• Flavor: Offers milder flavor due to lower oil content than autumn anise.
• Price: Due to its quality, spring star anise is cheaper than autumn star anise.

Specifications of spring star anise provided by HAVIGO

• Place of Origin: Lang Son, Vietnam
• Size: 2 cm (80% up)
• Taste: Sweet, Tasty
• Color: Natural
• Moisture: 13% Max
• Admixture: 1% Max
• Broken: 5% Max
• Certificate: ISO, HACCP, BRC
• Packing: 10kg/PCV/carton box

Autumn Star Anise

The farmers often harvest autumn star anise during the autumn months (August to November). Autumn star anise also has other names Dried anise type I (or Season anise). Autumn star anise exhibits the following characteristics:

• Size: Compared to spring star anise, autumn star anise tends to be larger and more robust. Anise petal length above 2.5cm (accounting for 80% of the total quantity).
• Color: It often has a lighter, paler color than spring star anise.
• Flavor: Autumn star anise contains more oil content, therefore, it is more flavorful than spring one.
• Price: As above characteristics, the autumn star anise is more premium, it is more expensive than the four-quarter one.

Specifications of autumn star anise provided by HAVIGO

• Place of Origin: Lang Son, Vietnam
• Size: 2.5 cm (80% up)
• Taste: Sweet, Tasty
• Color: Natural
• Moisture: 13% Max
• Admixture: 1% Max
• Broken: 5% Max
• Certificate: ISO, HACCP, BRC
• Packing: 10kg/PCV/carton box

Broken Star Anise

People usually harvest star anise fruits manually. However, some fruits may fall naturally, which results in less freshness than those harvested directly. While the quality of fallen fruits may not differ significantly, they often show distinct characteristics in color and shape. Broken star anise often has a darker hue and broken form. However, as a plus, it can be more easily processed into powder.

These broken star anise, though less visually appealing, retain the essential flavor and aroma of star anise. Due to naturally fallen, these star anise fruits may not reach the same quality standards as harvested ones, particularly when dried. Consequently, they are at a lower price than whole star anise. 

Specifications of broken star anise provided by HAVIGO

• Place of origin: Lang Son, Vietnam
• Size: Not in uniform
• Taste: Sweet, licorice-like flavor
• Color: Natural dark brown
• Moisture: 13.5% max
• Admixture: 2% max
• Packing: 10kg/PCV/carton box

About us

Havigo Company Limited operates in the field of agricultural export. We wish to bring high-quality Vietnamese agricultural products such as spices, rice, beans, and fruits… to the world. We supply you with high-quality products at the best price. If you find interested in importing best quality Star Anise from Vietnam with low moisture, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us for better support via WhatsApp: +84 979 58 58 56.

We are confident in our ability to deliver products that consistently meet the highest quality standards while offering competitive pricing within the market. Furthermore, we are committed to providing exceptional customer support throughout your entire experience. Please contact us for better support via WhatsApp: +84 979 58 58 56.