How to determine the authenticity and quality of star anise?

Many buyers are confused when purchasing star anise. There are different qualities of star anise, and they don't know which ones are good. Below, we will briefly teach you how to choose genuine star anise and how to judge the quality of star anise.

1. Key: Spot Genuine Star Anise vs. Toxic Fake (Illicium Lanceolatum)

Check Item	Genuine Star Anise (Incl. Improved Gulong Variety)	Toxic Fake Star Anise
Pods & Shape	7–8 pods (regular type); 10–13 pods (grafted type). Large size, plump blunt-tipped pods with gaps between them, fully open with seeds inside	10–13 pods. Small size, slender sharp-tipped pods, tightly packed with almost no openings and no seeds
Aroma	Strong, pure spicy scent with sweet aftertaste	Faint or pungent unpleasant odor

2. Quality Standards for Premium Star Anise

• Color & Appearance

  ✅ Qualified: Reddish brown/brownish red with natural luster; no mold, dark spots or insect damage

  ❌ Inferior: Blackened/yellowish-white and dull; overly bright & sticky surface (likely sulfur-fumigated, harmful to health)

• Aroma Purity

  ✅ Qualified: Rich, long-lasting spicy aroma; no sour, moldy or strange smells

  ❌ Inferior: Weak or no aroma; with irritating off-odors

• Texture & Dryness

  ✅ Qualified: Dry and firm; keeps shape when pinched; seeds rattle slightly when shaken

  ❌ Inferior: Soft and sticky; collapses when pressed; high moisture content, easy to mold

• Price Tip

  Premium sulfur-free star anise costs above market average. Beware of low-priced goods—they may be sulfur-fumigated, adulterated or damp-damaged.

3. Tips for Wholesale/E-commerce Purchasers

1. For bulk orders: Randomly sample and open pods. Premium star anise has plump black-brown seeds; inferior ones have shrunken or moldy insides.

2. Choose packaged products with quality inspection reports, clearly labeled with origin (Guangxi = top quality), production date and shelf life.