Fennel Seed

Botanical Name: Foeniculum vulgare dulce

We source Organic Fennel Seed from India and pack it in a Biodegradable, resealable, stand up paper bag.

Fennel Seeds are the dried seeds from the fennel plant, a member of the Apiaceae (parsley) family. Fennel is native to the Mediterranean and is widely used in many traditions of the world. Dried fennel seed has an aromatic, warm, sweet, anise-like flavor. It is sometimes confused with Aniseed. The seeds turn brown or green in color when fresh, then as the seed ages it slowly turns a dull grey color. The shape of Fennel Seeds is oval and ridged. Fennel Seed resembles Caraway Seed (same family although a bit less curved than Caraway). The Indian grown fennel is straighter and smaller than European Fennel with a sweet anise flavour.

Fennel seeds work well in a wide variety of foods ranging from beets, lentils, potatoes, in sauerkraut, stews, meat and chicken dishes, sauces, herb butters, dips and dressings, salads, omelets, apple pie, cakes, pastries, puddings, and spiced fruit. The green seed is best for cooking.

Fennel seeds are considered a spice, while the edible roots, stalks and leaves of the plant are considered an herb. The bulb shaped vegetable called Fennel, Florence Fennel or Italian Fennel, while related to the herb Fennel and similar in flavour, is not the same plant. Whether whole, crushed or ground to a powder, fennel seeds complement many spices. It can be used as a dry rub to make a tasty crust on fish and meat when roasted or grilled. It is also used in spice mixes such as Chinese Five Spice and the Indian Panch Poran.

Fennel Seed works well in combination with Cinnamon, Cumin, Fenugreek and Sichuan Peppercorns.