Top Anise and Badian and Coriander and Cumin and Caraway and Fennel and Juniper Berry Producing Countries

The cultivation of aromatic spices such as anise, badian (star anise), coriander, cumin, caraway, fennel, and juniper berry has deep historical roots, tracing back to ancient civilizations across Eurasia. Anise (Pimpinella anisum) and fennel (Foeniculum vulgare) were widely grown by the ancient Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans, who valued them for both culinary and medicinal uses; today, Turkey, Egypt, and Spain are leading producers of anise and fennel. Star anise (Illicium verum), native to southern China and Vietnam, remains primarily cultivated in these regions, with China dominating global production. Coriander (Coriandrum sativum), one of the oldest known herbs, was used in ancient Egypt and spread throughout Europe and Asia; India, Morocco, and Russia are now the top producers. Cumin (Cuminum cyminum), originating in the Eastern Mediterranean and South Asia, has been a staple since antiquity, with India, Iran, and Syria leading its cultivation. Caraway (Carum carvi), prized since Roman times, is mainly grown in the Netherlands, Poland, and Germany. Lastly, juniper berry (from Juniperus communis), essential for flavoring gin and traditional medicines, is harvested across Europe, especially in Hungary and the Balkans. The global spread and enduring importance of these spices reflect centuries of trade, cultural exchange, and adaptation to diverse climates and cuisines.

Data from United Nations FAO Stat