Tsao-ko (草果), star anise, Sichuan pepper, lemongrass, litsea (木姜子), wild mint, and Mediterranean herbs — Yunnan's biodiversity produces a spice portfolio unmatched outside India.
Yunnan sits at the crossroads of Sichuan's mala tradition, Southeast Asia's fresh-herb cuisine, and the Indian subcontinent's spice routes. The result is a spice and aromatic portfolio that few origins can rival.
Our flagship product is Tsao-ko (草果) — Chinese black cardamom — used in everything from premium beef pho to slow-braised Yunnan stews. Most of the world's supply comes from Yunnan's southwest, and we work direct with Hani and Yi ethnic farmers in Honghe and Wenshan.
Beyond Tsao-ko, we supply star anise, Sichuan peppercorns (red and green), lemongrass, litsea, wild mountain mint, and farm-grown rosemary — the latter two grown in Yunnan's increasingly Mediterranean-style culinary herb belt.
| Star Spices | Tsao-ko, star anise, Sichuan pepper, fennel, cinnamon |
|---|---|
| Aromatics | Lemongrass, litsea cubeba, wild mint, basil, rosemary |
| Forms | Whole, ground, powdered, essential oil |
| Drying | Sun-dried, low-temp dehydrated (preserves volatile oils) |
| Moisture | < 10% (whole) · < 8% (ground) |
| Packaging | 25 kg craft bags · 5 kg vacuum · retail jars |
| MOQ | 200 kg |
| Pesticide Residue | EU & US compliant (lab tested every lot) |
| Shelf Life | 24 months (whole), 12 months (ground) |
| Certifications | Halal, USDA Organic available on select SKUs |
Lab analysis available on request. Cupping scores and sensory panel reports provided to all qualified commercial buyers.
Request samples, FOB pricing, harvest calendar, or full chain-of-custody documentation. Our team replies in your language within one business day.
Each spice is hand-harvested from Yunnan's biodiverse highlands, where altitude and humidity create flavors found nowhere else in the world.