Napo Star Anise

Napo Star Anise

　　   Star anise, also known as Chinese anise, is the fruit of the magnolia family plant Illicium verum. Its fruit has a unique gear-like shape, typically composed of seven to nine carpels, most commonly eight, hence the name “star anise.” The fruit boasts a rich aroma and is a well-known spice widely used in food, medicine, and chemical industries.

　　Star anise can be harvested twice a year. Fresh fruits are light greenish, and after drying, they turn brownish-red. Those harvested in autumn are called “Big Red Star Anise,” which are plump, high-yielding, and considered top quality. The spring harvest is known as “Four Seasons Fruit,” which is lower in yield and quality. Fruits that are not harvested in time and instead overripen, dry, and fall off are called “Dry Branch Star Anise.” These have lower commercial quality but higher oil content. High-quality star anise features a bright, glossy brownish-red color, large and full grains, wider cracks along the edges of the carpels where the seeds inside are visible, and intact, unbroken fruit shapes.

　　Napo County, located in the subtropical zone, is an important base for star anise production in Guangxi, yielding around 5 million kilograms annually. The locally produced Big Red Star Anise is large, high-quality, richly aromatic, glossy brownish-red, and high in oil content, making it highly favored by domestic and international merchants.