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What is Fennel Seed?

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Technically, fennel seeds are not seeds at all, but actually the fruits of the sweet fennel plant, an herb which has been cultivated for culinary use for thousands of years. However, most cooks call the fruits “seeds” by convention, since they are small and usually sold in a dry form which looks exactly like a seed. There are many culinary uses for fennel seed, especially in Mediterranean and Indian cuisine. Many stores stock fennel seed, typically dry and whole. It can also be easily grown in any garden in a temperate zone, although fennel has a tendency to take over, so the plant should be encouraged with care.

There are several different cultivars of the fennel plant, which is also called Foeniculum vulgare. One cultivar, Florence fennel or finocchio, is cultivated for use as a vegetable. It produces a large bulb and thick stalks which can be cooked like a root vegetable. Sweet fennel, on the other hand, is a bulbless fennel which produces green fronds and fruits, and it is used like an herb rather than a vegetable.

Fennel seeds are the fruits of the fennel plant.
Fennel seeds are the fruits of the fennel plant.

Fennel is usually grown as an annual, since it does not do well in the cold. The plant smells like anise or licorice, and has feathery fronds of foliage with umbels of bright yellow flowers. The seeds are usually allowed to dry on the plant, which is gently shaken over dishes or clothes to release the seeds once they have matured fully. Once harvested, the seeds are picked through and then packaged. They can be eaten or used to start new fennel seedlings.

In Italian cuisine, fennel seed is often used in pasta sauces, for a burst of anise-like flavor. It pairs well with a number of sauce ingredients, and is typically used whole and toasted so that it will be intensely flavorful. Indian and Asian dishes also call for fennel, both whole and ground. Egypt and some North African countries incorporate fennel seed into their cuisines as well.

Since fennel seed looks and smells a great deal like anise seed, many cooks use the two interchangeably. It is a good idea to clearly label both spices to avoid confusion, since anise is more pungent. In addition, fennel aids digestion, while anise does not. As with many spices, fennel does best in an airtight container in a cool dry place, and it should not be exposed to light. Generally fennel seeds lose their potency after six months to a year, although they can be toasted to revive some of their flavor.

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a DelightedCooking researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a DelightedCooking researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...

Discussion Comments

FrameMaker

You can also take fennel seed tea as a digestive aid. Adding a little fennel to a cup of chamomile adds a slight licorice flavor to the tea. You can also buy fennel seed tea in tea bags. Either way you choose to drink it, fennel seed tea is great after a rich meal, or one with lots of heavy proteins.

GlassAxe

There are many homeopathic uses for fennel seed extract. Fennel seed extract aids in digestion for both adults and children. Most gripe water has fennel seed extract as an active ingredient. Parents can administer gripe water to their infants to relieve colic, gas, and indigestion.

Adults can take fennel extract to aid in digestion, and to relieve symptoms of heartburn. Fennel also helps settle the stomach by acting as an antibacterial.

Fennel extract is good to take when you have the flu because it helps to cleanse the blood and kidneys. Fennel extract is a diuretic and an anti-inflammatory agent, aiding in flu recovery and helping to relieve sinus pressure. I always keep a bottle of fennel seed extract in my kitchen cupboard. I use it when I’m sick, or when I eat rich foods.

mendocino

Spicy fennel seeds can be added to soups for a little kick.

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    • Fennel seeds are the fruits of the fennel plant.
      By: Jessmine
      Fennel seeds are the fruits of the fennel plant.