In the remote mountainous forests of northern Vietnam, a star-shaped spice with an unmistakable aroma grows on evergreen trees that have been cultivated for centuries. Known for its warm licorice scent, sweet peppery flavor, and signature star-like appearance, Vietnam Star Anise has long been a cornerstone of both culinary and medicinal traditions in Asia. Today, it is making its way into global kitchens, perfumeries, and natural medicine cabinets.

As consumers around the world search for authentic, traceable, and high-quality spices, Vietnam Star Anise stands out not only for its rich flavor and history but also for its growing role in health and industry. From bowls of pho to flu-fighting pharmaceuticals, this iconic spice is truly a star.

What is Star Anise?

Star anise (botanical name: Illicium verum) is a spice derived from the fruit of a small evergreen tree native to parts of Southeast Asia, particularly Vietnam and southern China. As the name suggests, the dried fruit forms an eight-pointed star, with each arm containing a shiny, brown seed inside.

It is often confused with anise seed, which comes from an entirely different plant (Pimpinella anisum) and belongs to the parsley family. Despite their similar names and licorice-like flavor, the two spices are not botanically related. Star anise, particularly the Vietnamese variety, is more robust, more aromatic, and distinctively sweet with a spicy undertone.

Why Vietnam Star Anise is Special

1. Geographic Indication and Origin

Vietnam is one of the largest producers and exporters of star anise in the world. The province of Lang Son and Quang Ninh are especially famous for cultivating high-quality star anise using traditional methods passed down over generations. Vietnam's climate, altitude, and soil composition create ideal growing conditions, allowing the trees to thrive and produce richly flavored fruits.

In 2021, Vietnam Star Anise was granted a Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) by the European Union, recognizing its unique characteristics linked to its origin. This not only protects the spice from imitations but also promotes its value on the international market.

2. Superior Flavor Profile

Vietnamese star anise is prized for its sweet, warm, and intensely aromatic flavor. Its notes are more vibrant and complex compared to other varieties, with subtle hints of clove, cinnamon, and black licorice. When added to food or beverages, it releases a lingering aroma that’s both comforting and invigorating.

3. Sustainability and Ethical Farming

In Vietnam, star anise is often grown in forest gardens that support biodiversity and minimize soil degradation. Many smallholder farmers grow the spice organically, without synthetic chemicals, relying on traditional techniques. Organizations and cooperatives are increasingly working to support fair trade, sustainable harvesting, and direct-to-market supply chains, ensuring farmers benefit more directly from the global demand.

Culinary Uses of Vietnam Star Anise

Star anise plays an essential role in numerous culinary traditions across Asia and beyond. It is used both whole and ground, often as part of spice blends, broths, or infusions.

1. Vietnamese Cuisine

Vietnam Star Anise is a key ingredient in pho, Vietnam’s national dish—a savory beef or chicken noodle soup infused with a complex broth. Star anise contributes its signature warmth and sweetness, balancing the saltiness of fish sauce and the umami of bones simmered for hours.

2. Chinese Cooking

In Chinese cuisine, star anise is a foundational spice in five-spice powder, along with cloves, cinnamon, Sichuan pepper, and fennel seeds. It’s also used in red-braised pork, duck recipes, and soy-based stews, where its depth enhances both savory and sweet elements.

3. Indian and Middle Eastern Dishes

While less dominant than in East Asian cooking, star anise appears in Indian biryanis and masala blends. In Middle Eastern and North African cuisine, it sometimes features in spice mixes like ras el hanout, especially for slow-cooked lamb and stews.

4. Baking and Desserts

In Western kitchens, star anise has found its place in:

• Spiced cookies and cakes

• Fruit preserves

• Mulled wine and cider

• Chocolates and truffles

5. Beverages and Infusions

Star anise is commonly used to flavor:

• Herbal teas (especially for digestion)

• Coffee (notably Turkish or Arabic styles)

• Craft cocktails and liqueurs like sambuca and absinthe

Medicinal and Therapeutic Uses

Star anise isn’t just flavorful—it’s medicinal. Vietnamese traditional medicine, Chinese herbal practices, and now modern pharmaceuticals have all embraced its healing properties.

1. Source of Shikimic Acid

One of the most important compounds in Vietnam Star Anise is shikimic acid, a precursor in the synthesis of oseltamivir (Tamiflu), an antiviral drug used to treat influenza. Due to the high concentration of shikimic acid, Vietnamese star anise has become a crucial component in the pharmaceutical industry.

2. Digestive Aid

Traditionally, star anise is used to:

• Relieve bloating and gas

• Stimulate digestion

• Treat colic and indigestion

It’s often brewed as a tea after meals or included in herbal remedies.

3. Antibacterial and Antifungal

Studies have shown that star anise has natural antimicrobial properties, effective against bacteria like E. coli and Staphylococcus aureus. Its oils are also used in natural soaps, toothpaste, and cosmetics.

4. Respiratory Relief

Inhalation of star anise vapor or sipping it in tea may help:

• Clear sinuses

• Relieve coughing and congestion

• Reduce cold symptoms

Its warm, expectorant quality is ideal for winter months and cold-weather wellness.

How to Buy and Use Vietnam Star Anise

Buying Tips:

• Choose whole star anise with unbroken, symmetrical points.

• Look for pods that are deep brown and glossy, not dull or blackened.

• Avoid overly brittle or crushed pods, which may be old or poorly handled.

• When possible, choose single origin or labeled Vietnamese star anise for authenticity and quality.

Storage:

• Keep in an airtight jar away from light, heat, and moisture.

• Stored correctly, whole star anise can last up to 2-3 years without losing potency.

Usage Tips:

• Use whole pods during slow cooking or simmering—they infuse flavor over time.

• Remove pods before serving to avoid overpowering bitterness.

• For baking or spice blends, grind just before use to preserve the essential oils.

The Global Market and Vietnam’s Role

Vietnam supplies over 80% of the world’s star anise, making it the largest exporter by far. The country exports to:

• China (for both culinary and pharmaceutical use)

• India (for spice blends and sweets)

• Europe and North America (for herbal and natural health products)

As demand for authentic, chemical-free spices grows globally, Vietnam Star Anise has gained a strong foothold in both culinary and wellness markets. Recent efforts to promote organic certification, fair trade sourcing, and value-added processing are helping Vietnamese farmers and exporters compete in premium spice markets.

Final Thoughts

Vietnam Star Anise is more than just a spice—it’s a story. A story of ancient forests, traditional farming, fragrant bowls of pho, and healing herbs. It carries with it the warmth of Southeast Asian hospitality and the power of nature’s pharmacy.

Whether you're simmering a broth, blending a spice mix, crafting a tea, or simply exploring new flavors, Vietnam Star Anise offers depth, aroma, and authenticity. With its growing popularity in gourmet kitchens and global wellness circles, it truly deserves its place as a star on the world spice stage.