STAR ANISE CULTIVATION AREA

Vietnamese Star Anise, scientifically known as Illicium verum Hook. f., is originally a tall woody plant, reaching a height of 6 – 12m when mature, and is commonly found in mountainous regions in northern Vietnam and southern China. This tree is characterized by its   leaves. Each year, a single tree yields approximately 80-100kg of fresh fruit, and it continues to do so for 40-50 years.

Although commonly referred to as “star anise flowers,” they are actually star anise fruits. Star anise fruits typically consist of 6-12 segments, arranged in a star shape, with an average diameter of 2.5-3cm and a thickness of 6-10mm. When fresh, star anise fruits are green, and when fully ripe and dried, they turn reddish-brown and become hard. When dried, each segment (referred to as “Đại” in Vietnamese) will split into two, revealing smooth, shiny light brown seeds.

Star Anise trees are not only found in Lang Son but also cultivated in some other northern mountainous provinces of Vietnam, such as Cao Bang, Bac Kan, Quang Ninh, and in some areas of China. However, due to favorable natural conditions regarding climate and soil fertility, Lang Son Star Anise are still considered the best quality product with high essential oil content, especially with no toxicity in the oil (the trans-anethole content is always above 85%).

STAR ANISE CULTIVATION AND HAVESTING

In Vietnam, star anise is grown using special farming methods to ensure environmental and economic sustainability. Factors such as variety selection, planting, cultivation techniques, care, and pre-harvest processing are all carried out according to proper procedures. Seedlings are raised for 18-24 months, ensuring normal growth, healthy, no pests and diseases. Star anise is typically planted in February, March, July, August, and September, on shaded days.

The plants usually yield ripe fruit for harvest in September or April, with each harvest lasting 3-4 months. Typically, a star anise plant needs to be at least 5 years old before its fruit is harvested, and only two harvests are conducted each year, making it a “rare” commodity. During harvesting, it’s essential to pick each fruit by hand or using a picking hook, avoiding any damage to the plant that could affect subsequent harvests.

PROCESSING AND PACKAGING

VIPSEN’s star anise and ginger processing plant is located at Thủ Độ, An Tường, Vĩnh Tường, Vĩnh Phúc, Vietnam. The fresh star anise raw materials are always cleaned and carefully selected according to VIPSEN’s standards before processing.

Fresh star anise is put into the electric drying system. The finished star anise has a moisture content of less than or equal to 13.5%, maintaining its essential oil content and ensuring no impurities or carbon are mixed in.

Packaging: As per customer requirements.

VIPSEN’s star anise products are certified with ISO22000, GMP, and HACCP, ensuring food grade safety and hygiene