High Quality Star Anise: Premium Spice from Vietnam
We are HAVIGO, a business that specializes in exporting agricultural products. We have been exporting premium spice products, including star anise, at the most competitive price on the market. Let’s explore one of our top-selling spices in this post: high quality star anise.
1. Vietnam – The second biggest Star Anise supplier
As the world’s second-largest producer, Vietnam has a significant impact on the star anise export market. Each year, Vietnam produces approximately 6,000 metric tons of this fragrant spice. Vietnam’s favorable climate and soil conditions contribute to its robust production.
In addition to its distinct flavor, star anise has numerous health benefits. It is a popular ingredient in traditional medicine and cuisine because of its licorice-like flavor and potential health benefits. For years, Vietnam exported star anise to India, the United States, China, and several European countries.
2. Star Anise cultivation in Vietnam
Farmers seek out regions between 300 and 700 meters above sea level because star anise grows best in cool, humid climates. As a result of their favorable circumstances, the provinces of Lang Son and Cao Bang are excellent sites. The quality of star anise actually improves with a colder climate.
First, farmers plant young trees in the spring or during the rainy season to provide them with much-needed moisture. They usually plant seeds collected from mature trees that are 20 to 40 years old. Following their planting, the new trees require special care. Farmers must maintain healthy soil moisture levels while providing adequate water and sunlight. Some farmers use fertilizer to help their star anise trees grow faster.
Harvesting Star Anise – Treasure of the North Mountain
After 4 – 7 years of growth, the star anise trees begin to bear fruit. The key to a successful harvest lies in timing. Normally, anise flowers have 6 – 8 petals, arranged in a star shape with a diameter of 2.5 – 3cm. Each petal carries a small, smooth egg-shaped seed inside. Star anise fruits are ready for picking when the individual pods on the star-shaped clusters start to split open.
Drying Anise Fruit
Once harvested, the fruits undergo a period of sun-drying. This crucial step reduces moisture content and prevents spoilage, ensuring the long-lasting quality of the spice.
Farmers dry anise fruits for a few days to reduce the moisture content to 13%. When sufficiently dried, the fruits take on a star shape and turn reddish brown. To remove all of the admixture, dried anise flowers are placed in the machine. Customers have the option of having the star anise stem removed upon request. The star anise is then incubated for long-term preservation. Only a small percentage is converted into essential oils.
3. Premium Autumn Star Anise from Vietnam
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 is often lighter and paler than spring star anise.
- Flavor: Star anise type I contains more oil content, therefore, it is more flavorful than spring one.
- Price: As mentioned above, this kind of star anise is more premium and more expensive than the four-quarter one.
Specifications of 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
4. Premium Spring Star Anise from Vietnam
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: It has a darker, richer color than its autumn one.
- Flavor: Offers milder flavor due to lower oil content than autumn anise.
- Price: Spring star anise is cheaper than autumn star anise due to its quality.
Specifications of 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
5. What is Broken Star Anise?
Star anise fruits are typically harvested manually. However, some fruits may fall naturally, resulting in less freshness than if harvested directly. While the quality of fallen fruits may not differ significantly, they often have distinct color and shape characteristics. Broken star anise typically has a darker color and a broken shape. However, it is easier to grind into powder.
These broken star anise, while less visually appealing, retain the essential flavor and aroma of star anise. These naturally fallen star anise fruits may not meet the same quality standards as harvested ones, especially after drying. As a result, they’re less expensive than whole star anise.
Specifications of broken star anise
- 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
6. Buying tips for Vietnam Anise
Star anise, with its distinctive star shape and sweet, licorice-like flavor, is a famous spice in many cuisines worldwide. While it’s available in various forms, Vietnamese star anise often has a superior quality due to its unique terroir. Using high-quality star anise can significantly elevate the taste of your dishes.
High-quality star anise exhibits distinct characteristics. The stars should be whole and unbroken, with the same color and size. The aroma is crucial. It should have a strong, sweet, licorice-like aroma, indicating high quality. When you touch the star anise, it should feel firm and dry. Avoid anise that feels soft or pliable. Inspect each star for cracks, blemishes, and discoloration. A dull or musty odor serves as a warning sign. Expect a strong, sweet flavor with a subtle bitterness. All of the mentioned variables are present in high-quality Vietnamese star anise.
Be wary of “fake” star anise, which can be difficult to distinguish from the real thing. Fake star anise frequently lacks the distinct aroma and flavor of the genuine product. Buying from reputable sources reduces the risk of purchasing “fake” spice. So, when purchasing star anise, it’s critical to be cautious. Choose reliable sources, such as specialty stores or reputable online retailers. This spice is a valuable commodity, particularly for importers, so finding a reliable partner is critical!
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 premium Star Anise, 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.