Whole star anise is used in traditional recipes in many countries like India, China and the US. Whole star anise originates from China and Vietnam. Only a small amount of star anise is from India. This article provides you with information about whole star anise and suggests some whole star anise suppliers
Contents
An overview of whole star anise
Whole star anise is one of the most aromatic and valuable spices that is widely available in recipes in many countries such as India, the United States, and China. Depending on how you use or prepare the spice, a variety of scents and flavors may be highlighted and amplified.
What is the whole star anise?
Star anise is in the shape of stars and is made from the dried fruit of an Asian evergreen tree (Illicium verum). It frequently appears in Chinese cooking and has a sweet flavor resembling licorice. Whole star anise is a distinctive-looking spice that has the appearance of a tiny rust-colored star. It typically has six to eight points, each of which contains a tiny seed that is the flavor’s focal point. As with clove and anise, the spice gives food a sweet, licorice-like flavor.
Whole star anise
The best and most expensive variety of star anise is whole star anise. After harvest, they undergo thorough processing to ensure that the finished product contains just lovely star anise and no stems or leaves.
Due to the fact that star anise is a highly valued spice, the star anise manufacturers take great care to keep its shape intact, with the main purpose of increasing profit. Therefore, whole star anise accounts for the majority of star anise in the market. The amount of broken star anise accounts for only an insignificant proportion.
Differences between spring and autumn whole star anise
According to the seasons, there are typically two types of whole star anise: spring and autumn. Although they differ somewhat in size and oil content, both are of the highest quality and fall within the same price range.
Differences between spring and autumn whole star anise
Spring whole star anise is collected from January to the end of April. Spring star anise is more expensive and of higher quality than Spring whole star anise due to its increased essential oil content.
Every year, from July until September, at the start of the rainy season, autumn whole star anise is collected. Its 2.5 cm-diameter pods blossom attractively and uniformly. Autumn anise is of lower quality and is more affordable because it has less oil than autumn anise.
Benefits of whole star anise
Whole star anise is both utilized in Vietnamese, Chinese and Indian cooking. Whole star anise pods are boiled when used in braises, stews, and soups. Similar to bay leaves, whole star anise is typically taken out of the dish before serving and thrown away. It complements citrus, poultry, and beef in savory recipes and gives some recipes for star anise a contrastingly sweet, licorice-like flavor.
Benefits of whole star anise
The more pungent whole star anise can be used sparingly in foods and baked goods. It is a typical spice in Indian cooking and is used in both chai tea and the spice mixture garam masala. Additionally, whole star anise is renowned for its therapeutic qualities. To aid with digestion and lessen bloating after a large meal, consider drinking star anise tea or putting a few drops of star anise essential oil in hot water. Antioxidants and vitamins A and C found in abundance in star anise aid in the battle against free radicals, which are linked to diabetes and early aging.
As can be seen, whole star anise has many uses in both food and medicine. In our blog, you may read about even more uses and advantages of star anise.
How to process whole star anise for exporting
Anise fruit is harvested from trees that are 8–10 years old. Every year, there are two harvests. The earlier one is from January to March, while the latter is from July to September. In comparison to the later crop, the main crop produces more whole star anise and has a better oil content. The amount of fruits a tree produces increases with age. Fruit is dried after picking at a temperature between 30 and 40 degrees Celsius. Then, it turns from green to a dark brown tint, forming star-shaped structures and revealing the shining yellow-brown seeds.
Whole star anise: Most dominant exporting countries in the world
South Eastern China is the original home of the star anise. Only China and Vietnam are capable of producing whole star anise for the market. It is only marginally produced in Arunachal Pradesh, India.
Most dominant whole star anise exporting countries in the world
The reason is that the crop needs particular agro-climatic conditions that are only present in the traditional growing regions, which has repeatedly thwarted attempts to cultivate star anise in other nations.
Vietnam
Whole star anise thrives in humus-rich, neutral to mildly acidic soils that are light to medium in texture and have good drainage. Because of this, Vietnam is renowned as the perfect place to grow this spice, making it one of the two countries in the world (together with mainland China) that produces the most whole star anise.
The provinces of Lang Son and Quang Ninh, which are the northern boundaries, are where the tree is primarily grown today. In the provinces of Cao Bang and Bac Can, there are a few small patches of star anise.
Vietnam accounted for 18% of the global market share of whole star anise and has an export value of more than 40 million USD annually. Therefore, Vietnam is the second-largest export country of whole star anise.
About 5,500–6,000 tons of star anise fruits are produced in Vietnam each year, of which about 3,000 tons are exported and 100 tons are used to make attar. According to Tridge, the anise plantation has a total area of 44.606 ha, of which 37.069 ha is concentrated and 7.537 ha is dispersed.
To maintain its natural color and distinct scent, Vietnamese whole star anise is hand-harvested from trees and then dried by natural heat from the sun, after that it is processed precisely at the factory. As a result, It comes in whole, broken, and ground star anise forms.
Whole star anise in Vietnam
Whole star anise is harvested twice a year in Vietnam: in the spring from March to May and in the fall from August to September. The autumn crop is frequently distinguished by larger blossom sizes, larger internal seeds, and a stronger perfume.
Vietnamese whole star anise is mostly exported to populous nations like India and China as well as high-demand markets like Singapore, Germany, Thailand, and Malaysia. Vietnamese exporters could take into account South Korea and Japan as prospective markets if they maintain stringent quality control.
China
Southern China, particularly the provinces of Guangdong, Guangxi, and Yunnan, cultivates whole star anise extensively. China’s native and primary production region for star anise is Guangxi. More than 85% of China’s whole star anise crop was produced in Guangxi.
Whole star anise in China
Tridge estimates that China will hold the largest market share for whole star anise in 2020, accounting for $60.1M in value. Since 2013, the quantity of Chinese star anise exports has also been gradually rising, and the peak year is now 2020. Vietnamese, Malaysian, Indonesian, and Taiwan are the top destinations for Chinese whole star anise exports.
India
The only Indian state with ideal soil and temperature conditions for whole star anise development is Arunachal Pradesh. Indian whole star anise’s total exports in 2020 were $38.7 million, and more than 11% of the market. This figure has varied greatly over the years, but generally speaking, this industry in India has also developed fairly successfully after a 5-year cycle. Bangladesh, Malaysia, and the United States are the main importers of Indian star anise.
The market price of whole star anise
If you are the importer of whole star anise, you should regularly update the market price of whole star anise to make a wise decision.
Due to a shortage of supply and delivery issues, whole star anise prices have increased recently. Star anise may not be the best option right now if you’re seeking a place to acquire it in large quantities for your company. When the season starts, the price is typically in the range of 6 to 7 dollars per kilogram, but this year has been different. The price of a kilogram of premium whole star anise has jumped to nearly 8.5 USD/kg.
The table below shows the price of whole star anise in the three biggest exporting countries. Prices are subject to change depending on the time of purchase and market demand.
Price of whole star anise
Additionally, it should be noted that the price of Vietnam star anise is frequently higher than its cost in other nations, such as China. It is because the best quality whole star anise on the global market comes from Vietnam. Given that it has the best soil and climate for growing star anise, Vietnam has preferable competitive advantages over China and India in the production of whole star anise. Our expert farmers take care of the star anise plants to ensure the highest quality growth. Vietnam currently produces the highest-quality star anise in the world, with which no other nation can compete. Particularly, the Vietnamese star anise grown in Lang Son is so valuable that people often refer to it as being “as precious as gold.” Therefore, Vietnam’s whole star anise is more expensive than in China and other countries.
How to find reliable whole star anise suppliers?
Finding a trustworthy provider is difficult, though, as whole star anise has a high economic value. These suggestions for buyers might help them distinguish between reputable suppliers and scammers.
Signs of reliable whole star anise suppliers
Any good whole star anise supplier on the trading market typically possesses the following traits.
The top star anise suppliers have direct relationships with farmers: Good farms produce star anise of the highest quality. The contemporary approach to the agriculture business is to shorten the supply chain. To ensure steady input and quality, processors and suppliers of whole star anise work closely with farmers and farming cooperatives. A reliable wholesaler is frequently quite proud of their growing areas and eager to promote their internet profile. Large cultivation regions and the ability to offer farm-to-port service are two qualities shared by many major top whole star anise suppliers. As a result, suppliers are better equipped to produce consistent inputs that have high sources of revenue for farmers as well as the best wholesale price for importers.
Reliable whole star anise suppliers
Reliable wholes star anise exporter is widely certified: Star anise is frequently subjected to strict management because it is one of the main seasoning spices used in big quantities. Good wholesale star anise must therefore have the seal of approval from authorities in a variety of disciplines, including agriculture, trading, and health and food. To be able to sell this spice on the international market, a licensed whole star anise wholesale supplier must fulfill their requirements.
K-Agriculture’s certificate
K-Agriculture’s whole star anise meets international quality standards such as FDA, HACCP, Global Gap, ISO, etc.
Reputable certifications are a sign of a reliable exporter of whole star anise: In order to ensure the safety and quality of this spice, which is one of the five basic seasonings used in food as well as a key component in many medicines, there are numerous regulations in place. By demonstrating their high-quality whole star anise and concern for people, suppliers with numerous associated certifications, such as ISO9001, IS022000, BRC, KOSHER, HALAL,…can gain the trust of importers. Additionally, a manufacturer of spices with an eye on export must demonstrate their ability to satisfy importers’ requirements, including USDA standards for the US market and JAS standards for the Japanese market.
Signs of scammers or unreliable whole star anise suppliers
Since whole star anise has a high economic worth, there are many scammers who wish to take advantage of importers, especially the inexperienced ones, in order to benefit.
Always push for advance payment or huge deposits: Scammers always press for early payment or high deposits that are not in line with the contract that was agreed upon. Buyers should be aware of this as it is an obvious symptom of unreliable whole star anise exporters.
Unreliable whole star anise suppliers
The price being offered is too low: Whole star anise is an essential spice with few sources. Only Vietnam and China’s harvesting seasons are used for exporting. As a result, the market price must not be too low and should be confirmed with these nations’ spice associations. A provider of whole star anise who offers a price that is at least 30–40% below the rate on the market may be a scammer.
Lack of clearance: Reluctance to display basic corporate information or certificates is a red flag for unreliable suppliers. Additionally, a lack of openness in purchase agreements and documentation including critical information like product specifications, payment terms, delivery terms, etc. also suggests the presence of scammers.
Top 3 reliable suppliers that have the best whole star anise
If you are interested in importing whole star anise, here are the top 3 whole star anise suppliers that you should consider.
Xinghua Lianfu Food – the best whole star anise supplier in China
Given that star anise is native to China, it is clear that a Chinese supplier would be at the top of this list.
Whole star anise importers have heard about Xinghua Lianfu Food because of their years of professional experience manufacturing and selling agricultural products, especially whole star anise in large quantities.
Xinghua Lianfu Food
Thanks to the most cutting-edge modern technology and an experienced work crew, their products have been of high quality and willing to satisfy a variety of consumer requirements.
K-Agriculture – the best whole star anise supplier in Vietnam
Established in 1996 and supported by the Vietnamese Ministry of Industry and Trade, K-Agriculture Factory is now regarded as the best agricultural factory in Vietnam and a trustworthy B2B partner for high-quality Vietnam agricultural products like rice, spices, and coffee. One of the most prominent of these ingredients is whole star anise. K-Agriculture has large whole star processing plants in Hung Yen and Lang Son. Because they are a whole star anise manufacturer, the price they offer is cheaper than many wholesalers. K-Agriculture exported whole star anise to many countries like India, China, and America. Being a giant in trading star anise products internationally in Vietnam – the biggest Vietnamese star anise exporter since 1996, K-agriculture is proud to bring buyers broken cinnamon with uniform quality standards and affordable prices.
For further details and the best wholesale price for whole star anise, please contact us via:
Email: info@k-agriculture.com
Website: https://k-agriculture.com/
Whatsapp: +84855 555 837
Everest Spices – the best whole star anise supplier in India
Everest is the best provider of agricultural spices in India. For more than 50 years, it has been supplying Indian spices, including premium whole star anise, and has expanded its business to 58 nations, including the United States, the United Kingdom, and Africa.
Everest is a great choice if you’re seeking a source of excellent whole star anise in India.
If you’re interested in importing whole star anise from K-Agriculture, fill out the form below to get our support.
