Star anise is a highly economical spice. Currently, Vietnam has a total area of about 40,000 hectares, mainly in Lang Son and Cao Bang with an annual output of more than 16,000 tons.
Notably in the world, star anise trees are almost only found in Vietnam and China. Thanks to favorable conditions, they can grow well and provide a large quantity of star anise. This spice has been available for harvest since the 4th year, but only for about 16 years can it be harvested twice per year. Therefore, this rare spice is even more precious. In particular, the spring crop is mainly in February and March, and the other is in September and October.
Star anise (Illicium verum Hook), of the genus Illicium, family Liliaceae, is a spice of high economic value. Typically, star anise flowers will have 6–8 petals, arranged in a star shape with a diameter of 2.5–3 cm. After harvest, star anise will be dried and exported in the form of dried flowers; only a small part is processed into essential oils.
Vietnam’s million-dollar spice has brought in more than 34 million USD since the beginning of the year.
According to the Vietnam Pepper Association (VPA), Vietnam exported 1,548 tons of star anise in June, with a turnover of 6.7 million USD. Compared to the previous month, the export volume decreased by 0.8%.
In the first six months of this year, Vietnam exported 7,023 tons of star anise. The total export turnover reached 34.2 million USD. Compared to the same period in 2023, export volume decreased by 5.6% and turnover decreased by 25.3%. India is the largest export market for Vietnam’s star anise, with 4,410 tons, accounting for 63% of Vietnam’s total export.
Star anise is one of the best spices that famous chefs always love to use in their dishes. Using star anise in cooking skillfully will help upgrade the dish to a whole new flavor.
Pure star anise soaked with alcohol will help to treat diseases such as colds, headaches, abdominal pain, coughing, and bone and joint diseases. In addition, star anise also works in the treatment of skin fungus, scabies, pain relief, bruising, cough, phlegm, and many other healing effects. Star anise essential oil is one of the cosmetics used in the beauty industry.
Statistics from the World Spices Organization show that Vietnam’s star anise production ranks second globally. Vietnam is a potential supplier to the world’s spice market, with a value of 21.3 billion USD in 2021 and expected to reach 27.4 billion USD by 2026.
Besides, Vietnam also leads the world in the production and export of pepper and is the world No. 1 in the export of cinnamon. The country also occupies an important position in the export of other spices, such as chili, ginger, cardamom, and so on. Vietnam’s spice import markets are becoming more diverse, such as those in the US, EU, China, India, and the Middle East.