Whole dried star anise from Lạng Sơn is currently considered a high-value specialty product from Vietnam’s northern mountainous region. This spice not only enhances the aroma of dishes but also provides nutritional and medicinal benefits.
Introduction to Whole Dried Star Anise
Star anise from Lạng Sơn is an indispensable spice in many Vietnamese and East Asian dishes. Its distinctive aroma makes food more flavorful and appealing.
The Lạng Sơn star anise tree is a perennial woody plant growing from 6 to 10 meters tall, typically found in the northern mountains of Vietnam. Though commonly referred to as “flower,” this spice is actually the fruit of the tree, shaped like a star, which is why locals call it “star anise.”
Other names for star anise include Tai Vi, Dai Hoi, or Bat Giac Hoi Huong (eight-pointed aromatic spice). When young, the fruit is green; as it matures, the sepals dry out and turn the dark brown color we’re familiar with.
The tree flowers from March to May, with fruit ripening and ready for harvest from July onward. Star anise trees typically bear fruit only after 5 years of age and produce just two harvests per year, making them a rare and valuable herb.
Lạng Sơn star anise has been recognized for containing the highest essential oil content in Vietnam and is protected by national geographical indication. With a mission to promote high-quality agricultural products and support local farmers, Vinova has been a trusted producer and distributor of star anise since the 1990s.
Production Process of Whole Dried Star Anise
To ensure the highest quality product, Vinova follows a carefully controlled production process:
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Selection: Fresh star anise is purchased directly from farmers. Damaged or wilted fruits are removed.
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Steam-Drying: The anise is covered and steam-dried using coal-fired ovens until moisture drops to 50%.
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Resting: The semi-dried fruits are rested for 1–2 days to retain their shape and color.
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Sun-Drying: The fruit is sun-dried to achieve optimal moisture levels.
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Sorting & Packaging: The dried star anise is sorted, graded, and packaged for preservation and distribution.
Depending on preference, dried star anise can be used whole or ground. It’s commonly added to main dishes like stir-fries, braised foods, pho, curries, and stews, and it pairs well with other spices for marinades.
Uses of Whole Dried Star Anise from Lạng Sơn
Star anise is widely used in dishes like braised beef, pho, stir-fries, and stews. Its aroma stimulates the appetite and enhances overall flavor.
In addition to culinary uses, star anise is also valued in both modern and traditional medicine:
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Modern medicine: Supports digestion, relieves phlegm, reduces intestinal fermentation, aids flatulence, increases lactation, soothes stomach cramps, and is used as a fragrance in toothpaste.
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Traditional medicine: Treats bloating, stomach pain, poor digestion, joint pain, poisoning, skin fungal infections, and more.
How to Use Lạng Sơn Dried Star Anise
Depending on your purpose, there are various ways to use star anise:
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For broths or stews: Use whole or halved star anise for easy removal and visual appeal.
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For seasoning/meat marinades: Use in powdered or crushed form to enhance aroma and ensure even flavor distribution. Be mindful of the quantity when using powder.
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For medicinal use: Star anise can be infused in alcohol, brewed as tea, or crushed and mixed with honey and ginger to relieve joint pain, bad breath, or indigestion.
Usage Notes
Although Lạng Sơn star anise offers many benefits, keep the following in mind:
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Test essential oil on skin before widespread use.
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Avoid using moldy, faded, or odorless star anise.
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Store in sealed bags or containers. If exposed to moisture, sun-dry to prevent mold.
Where to Buy Lạng Sơn Whole Dried Star Anise
Many customers in Hanoi and elsewhere are concerned about where to find high-quality star anise at the best price—whether for cooking or as gifts.
Understanding this need, Vinova has committed to providing premium agricultural products and supporting local farmers with stable income. Vinova’s dried star anise is carefully monitored through every production stage to ensure top quality.
Having entered the market in the 1990s, Vinova has earned the trust of both domestic and international clients looking for authentic mountain spices.
Vinova delivers nationwide in Vietnam and offers FOB international shipping, with a monthly supply capacity of up to 50 tons. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to contact us for support and consultation.
