Star Anise: A Precious Gift from Lạng Sơn
Characteristics and Cultivation
Star anise is technically a fruit, with each flower consisting of 5 to 8 rhombus-shaped petals arranged in a star or spoke-like formation. This plant requires minimal care—farmers simply plant seeds or seedlings into the ground and allow them to grow naturally. Occasionally, they clear surrounding undergrowth, but fertilizers are unnecessary.
Lạng Sơn Star Anise – A Natural Treasure
Each year, the star anise tree bears fruit twice, in the lunar months of April and August, with each harvest lasting 3-4 months. The fruits develop on the outer branches, sometimes weighing them down, while others grow at the very tops of the trees. Experienced harvesters, like Grandma Khôn, swiftly pick the lower branches before climbing taller trees to gather the star-shaped fruits.
Though star anise is grown in other Vietnamese provinces such as Cao Bằng, Bắc Kạn, and Quảng Ninh, as well as in some regions of China, Lạng Sơn’s unique climate and soil conditions make its star anise the highest quality. It boasts a high essential oil content and, notably, is free from toxins. This tree thrives in Lạng Sơn’s high-altitude terrain, where generations of locals have cultivated it. A single planting can yield harvests for over a century.
Across the province, star anise is grown in almost every district, with the largest plantations in Văn Quan, Bình Gia, Văn Lãng, Lộc Bình, and Cao Lộc, covering a total area of over 35,000 hectares—more than 70% of Vietnam’s total star anise cultivation.
Uses and Economic Value
Star anise essential oil is a valuable ingredient in medicinal balms, digestive remedies, cosmetics, and fragrances. The tree’s bark has a distinctive aroma, and its seeds can be eaten like vegetables. The dried seeds are processed into food ingredients, while powdered star anise is widely used in baking and as a key spice in dishes like roast duck and pork.
In Western countries, star anise oil is distilled and added to certain wines, desserts, and baked goods. In traditional medicine, it is known for stimulating digestion and relieving stomach pain. Recognizing its value, the French established a star anise essential oil processing plant in Lạng Sơn in the early 20th century.
During the 1980s, star anise cultivation declined due to limited market demand. However, since 1990, its significance has been restored, with its essential oil now exported to China, North America, and Europe for pharmaceutical and cosmetic production. Notably, in recent years, scientists have discovered that star anise essential oil can be used to produce Tamiflu, a crucial antiviral drug for treating influenza strains such as H1N1, H5N1, and H3N2.
A Nationally Protected Product
For many years, Lạng Sơn has considered star anise a key economic crop and a long-term strategic product, serving as one of the province’s primary export commodities. To integrate this valuable resource into both domestic and international markets while protecting producers and consumers alike, it was essential to establish official product recognition.
In 2007, Vietnam’s National Office of Intellectual Property granted Lạng Sơn star anise a protected geographical indication, securing its status as a nationally recognized and protected product. This step ensures the sustainable development of star anise production, enhances its quality and market value, and safeguards this high-value, multi-purpose specialty crop, allowing it to reach its full economic potential.