Where is star anise produced? How much was it per jin in 2018? How can you tell the real from the fake?

Star anise, also known as star aniseed and Chinese anise, is a famous seasoning spice with high medicinal and edible economic value, so it is grown in many places. So where is star anise produced? How much was it per jin in 2018? How can you tell the real from the fake?

Where is it produced?

Guangxi is the main producing area of star anise, distributed across parts of counties in southwestern Guangxi, southern Guangxi, southeastern Guangxi and central Guangxi, with some counties in northwestern Guangxi and northern Guangxi also producing it. The area is about 3.2 million mu, and the output is more than 10,000 tons, accounting for about 90% of the national total output. Guangxi is both the main producing area of star anise and the largest collection and distribution center in the country.

Qinzhou, Pubei and Liuyin Town in Guangxi have an annual output of more than 10 million jin.

Mount Darong in Guangxi has an annual output of more than 20 million jin, mostly green, natural, sulfur-free star anise. The largest and most concentrated star anise producing area in Guangxi is Gulong Town, Teng County, Wuzhou, Guangxi, where the star anise planting area is nearly 300,000 mu. The star anise produced in Gulong Town has large fruits, bright color and high oil content.

How much is star anise per jin?

The price of star anise varies by producing area. Star anise produced in Sichuan is generally about 10 to 15 yuan per jin, while the large star anise produced in Guangxi is generally about 20 to 25 yuan per jin. The fruit of star anise can be used directly in daily seasoning, such as in stewing, boiling, pickling, braising and soaking, and can also be directly processed into five-spice seasoning powder, while anise oil and star anise oleoresin are usually used in the food processing industry for meat products, condiments, soft drinks, cold drinks, candy, pastries, baked goods and other foods.

How can you tell the real from the fake?

1. Taste: star anise tastes sweet when bitten and crushed, while Japanese star anise tastes sour when bitten and crushed.

2. Appearance: the fruit of star anise is exposed, with 7 to 10 rounded shield-like points, while the fruit of Japanese star anise is not exposed, with 11 to 13 slender, pointed points.

3. Smell: star anise has a strong, distinctive aroma, while Japanese star anise smells somewhat like floral water and camphor.

4. Fruit stalk: the fruit stalk of star anise is relatively long and curved, while the fruit stalk of Japanese star anise is relatively short, straight and slightly curved.

5. Point tips: the tips of each point of star anise are relatively smooth, while the tips of each point of Japanese star anise turn upward, like an eagle's hook.