Fennel for Deep and Rich Aromas
Fennel seeds bring a gentle sweetness and liquorice-like aroma to both savoury and sweet dishes. From curries to teas, their warm, aromatic flavour adds balance and depth to global cuisines.
Table of content
What do fennel seeds taste like?
How are fennel seeds used in cooking?
Are fennel seeds the same as anise?
What cuisines commonly use fennel?
Can fennel seeds be used for tea?
Fennel
Foeniculum Vulgare
What is Fennel?
Fennel seeds are a versatile spice used in both cooking and baking. They can be used whole or ground to flavour breads, sausages, curries, teas, and desserts.
The essential oils, including anethole, give fennel seeds their characteristic sweet, liquorice-like aroma and digestive benefits.
Fennel is popular in Mediterranean, Indian, and Middle Eastern cuisines for its ability to complement meats, vegetables, and sweet dishes alike.
Toasting the seeds before use enhances their aroma and flavour.
Facts about Fennel
Flavour & Taste
Fennel seeds have a sweet, warm, and subtly liquorice-like flavour with herbal undertones. When toasted or steeped, they release a fragrant aroma that enhances everything from breads and spice blends to desserts and herbal teas. Their mild sweetness also helps round out rich or spicy dishes.
Where Does Fennel Come From?
Fennel is native to the Mediterranean region and is now cultivated worldwide, including Italy, India, Egypt, and the United States. It prefers sunny, well-drained soil and temperate climates.
Popular Varieties of Fennel
Sweet fennel
Commonly used in cooking and salads, aromatic and mild.
Florence fennel (bulb fennel)
Grown for its edible bulb, leaves, and seeds.
Foeniculum vulgare var. dulce
Seeds used in sweet and savoury dishes, slightly anise-flavoured.
FAQ
What do fennel seeds taste like?
Fennel seeds are sweet, aromatic, and slightly liquorice-flavoured, similar to anise but milder and more balanced.
How are fennel seeds used in cooking?
They can be used whole or ground in curries, breads, teas, desserts, and spice blends. Toasting the seeds before use enhances their aroma and sweetness.
Are fennel seeds the same as anise?
No — while both share a liquorice-like flavour, fennel is milder and sweeter, whereas anise is more intense and pungent.
What cuisines commonly use fennel?
Fennel is popular in Mediterranean, Indian, and Middle Eastern cuisines, often used in sausages, pickles, and herbal infusions.
Can fennel seeds be used for tea?
Yes! Steep 1 teaspoon of fennel seeds in hot water for 5–7 minutes to make a soothing, aromatic digestive tea.
Recipe Idea
Fennel-Infused Tea
Steep 1 teaspoon of fennel seeds in hot water for 5–7 minutes.
Strain and enjoy as a soothing digestive tea, optionally sweetened with honey.