Star Anise: A High-Value Ingredient in Global Cuisine and Modern Medicine

Culinary Uses in Global Cuisine

Star anise is highly valued in Asian cuisine for its ability to enhance both aroma and depth of flavor. In Vietnam, it is a defining ingredient in the iconic phở broth, where its warm, slightly sweet notes create a rich and fragrant base. In Chinese cuisine, star anise is equally essential in hot pot broths, contributing complexity and warmth as it slowly infuses into the simmering liquid. Through this gradual release of flavor, star anise transforms simple broths into deeply layered and aromatic dishes.

Beyond soups, whole star anise is widely used in braises and stews across Chinese and Indian cooking. It pairs particularly well with braised beef, lamb, and hearty root vegetables. During slow cooking, the spice blends harmoniously with other ingredients, resulting in a balanced and full-bodied taste. This method allows the natural oils of the star anise spice to fully develop, enriching the overall flavor profile of the dish.

Source: Culinary uses of star anise

Star anise also creates a distinctive harmony between sweet and savory elements in curries. Thai curries and Indian masalas often incorporate star anise to achieve this balance. The subtle licorice-like note adds complexity without overpowering other spices, elevating both traditional and modern recipes. In addition, star anise powder is frequently used in sauces, desserts, and spice blends, demonstrating the remarkable versatility of this globally treasured spice.

Medicinal Value and Pharmaceutical Use of Star Anise

Beyond its culinary role, star anise is highly valued for its medicinal properties. Derived from Illicium verum, it contains more than 20 bioactive compounds, including flavonoids, terpenoids, polyphenols, and antioxidants. Anethole is the main active component, contributing to both the characteristic aroma of star anise spice and its biological effects.

Research shows that star anise has antioxidant, antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory properties. Extracts from whole star anise have traditionally been used to support digestion and relieve respiratory discomfort.

Importantly, star anise is a major natural source of shikimic acid, a key precursor in the production of antiviral medications such as oseltamivir, making Illicium verum strategically important in pharmaceutical manufacturing. In addition, star anise powder is increasingly used in herbal and functional products for its potential health-supporting benefits. While many of these findings require continued clinical validation, the broad spectrum of biological activities confirms that star anise is far more than a culinary spice-it is a valuable botanical resource bridging traditional medicine and modern pharmaceutical science.

Source: Pharmaceutical uses of star anise

Market Value and Global Demand

The global demand for star anise has remained strong and continues to grow due to its versatile uses in both food and pharmaceutical industries. According to statistics from the Vietnam Pepper and Spices Association (VPSA), Vietnam exported 12,976 tons of star anise by the end of November 2025, earning approximately USD 53 million in export value. This represented a 5.5% increase in export volume year-on-year, even though export value saw a slight decline compared to the previous year. On the international stage, Vietnamese star anise is shipped to over 70 countries, with India accounting for about 71% of total exports, followed by the United States with nearly 7% market share and showing double-digit growth. Vietnam ranks as the second-largest producer of star anise globally, just after China, and its star anise varieties are favored for their strong aroma and high essential oil content, which boost their appeal for both culinary and medicinal applications worldwide. 

This trend reflects the broader global appetite for illicium verum, where consumer interest in natural spices and plant-derived pharmaceutical inputs continues to drive international trade demand.

Source: Market value and global demand
 

From traditional kitchens to modern laboratories, star anise has proven its enduring value. As illicium verum continues to support both global cuisine and pharmaceutical innovation, the importance of high-quality whole star anise and star anise powder in international trade becomes increasingly clear.

With expanding applications in food production, natural medicine, and health-focused consumer products, star anise stands out as a high-value ingredient shaping the future of global agriculture and industry.