Star anise is the eight-pointed star-shaped fruit of the tree Illicium verum. Star anise in incense supplies a sweet, warm, liquorice-like note with a touch of spice that makes a blend feel round and distinctly wintry. This article looks at where it comes from, what creates its scent and how it is blended in herbal incense.
What star anise is
The star anise we know from Vietnamese kitchens, especially in a pot of phở, is the dried fruit of Illicium verum. It has eight points arranged like a star, each holding a glossy brown seed, while the pod itself is dark reddish brown and strongly aromatic.
In Vietnamese the name literally says “flower”, which is just a folk way of speaking; the most fragrant part is actually the fruit. The seeds and the pod both hold essential oil, but people usually use the whole fruit or grind it to powder. A warm companion note is cinnamon, the scent of warmth.
In Vietnam it is harvested seasonally, and because the trees live a long time, star anise groves are often family property across generations. After picking, the fruits are sun-dried or oven-dried to keep their scent and prevent mould.
Lạng Sơn and other growing areas
Lạng Sơn is Vietnam’s best-known star anise region, especially in upland districts such as Văn Quan, Bình Gia, Văn Lãng, Bắc Sơn and Chi Lăng. Nearby provinces such as Cao Bằng and Quảng Ninh also grow it. The cool climate, moderate rain and hilly soil of the northern mountains suit the tree well.
Lạng Sơn star anise is widely known as a regional speciality. Scent quality depends on ripeness at harvest, drying and storage; good dried fruit is a deep reddish brown, whole and richly aromatic, with no mould or off smells.
Anethole: the sweetness of star anise
The signature scent comes mainly from anethole, the compound that makes up most of star anise oil. It brings sweetness and a liquorice-like aroma that explains the warm, sweet, slightly cooling feeling when star anise is used in food.
In incense, anethole works as a top and middle note: it gives an impression of sweet warmth the moment a stick or cone begins to burn, then blends into woody and resinous notes. As the scent is quite distinct, a small amount is enough to give a whole mixture its character. For the craft heritage, see the Quảng Phú Cầu incense village.
One important note: Vietnamese star anise (Illicium verum) is different from Japanese star anise (Illicium anisatum, called shikimi in Japan), which is toxic and not used as food. Never eat or brew star anise of unknown origin, and buy only from trusted sellers.
Star anise in incense: handmade blends and Quảng Phú Cầu
Traditional incense villages in the north, including Quảng Phú Cầu (Ứng Hòa, Hà Nội), have long combined several botanicals in their incense, such as cinnamon, star anise, cardamom and wood powder. According to many accounts, star anise and cinnamon are a familiar pairing in these mixtures because both give a warm, sweet, comforting feel.
In an herbal cone, star anise is usually ground to a fine powder and mixed with wood, leaf or bark powder and a natural binder. It works with cinnamon and clove for an overall warmth, with agarwood or wood for depth, and with pomelo peel or citrus for a bright touch. Proportion matters: too much makes the scent sweet and sharp, like candy.
- Star anise + cinnamon: warm, sweet, as familiar as a family kitchen.
- Star anise + agarwood or wood: the sweetness softens the dryness of the wood.
- Star anise + pomelo peel: a fresh sweetness with a hint of Tết in the air.
If you would like to meet the scent before finding it inside incense, place a dried star anise pod in your palm, squeeze it lightly and smell. The sweet warmth comes up much more clearly, and you will understand why so little is needed in a cone. For many people it is the scent of a simmering broth or a kitchen at year’s end, so it tends to feel familiar rather than foreign.
Things to know when using it
The scent is pleasant to many people, but some find it intense or sharp, especially in a small room. Burn moderately, open a window, and stop if you feel uncomfortable. Anyone with sensitive airways should take extra care with any incense smoke. To learn how herb powders hold their shape, read natural binders in incense cones.
We use star anise as a scent note, not as medicine. Incense only creates atmosphere; any health concern should be discussed with a doctor.
To experience star anise in a balanced blend, look at the herbal cones or try the Scent Finder to find the scent group that suits you.
FAQ
What does star anise smell like in incense?
It gives a sweet, warm, liquorice-like note with a touch of spice that rounds out a blend.
What is star anise?
It is the eight-pointed star-shaped fruit of the tree Illicium verum.
Any tips for burning incense with star anise?
As with any incense, burn in a ventilated room and in moderation, and stop if the scent feels too strong.
A small star, enough to warm a whole room.