What is Fennel Seed?

Fennel Seed is the whole dried seed of Foeniculum vulgare, fennel, a tall aromatic herb in the carrot and parsley family (Apiaceae). The ridged seeds carry a sweet, licorice-like aroma.

About the plant

Fennel has been a fixture of Mediterranean cooking and Western herbalism for more than two thousand years. The seeds carry anethole, the same compound that gives anise and star anise their licorice character, and they appear in Italian sausage, Provencal fish dishes, and North African spice blends. In India, sugar-coated fennel seeds are served after meals as "mukhwas," a traditional mouth refresher.

Related herbs

• Dill Seed — another aromatic seed in the carrot family.
• Fenugreek Powder — a classic Indian and Middle Eastern spice.

Fennel Seed: form & sizes

We carry Fennel Seed as organic whole dried seed, sold by weight in sizes from 1 oz to 1 lb. We make no health or therapeutic claims.

Storage

Store Fennel Seed in an airtight container, away from heat, light, and humidity, to preserve its color and aroma.

Fennel Seed at a glance

Botanical name

Foeniculum vulgare

Family

Apiaceae

Native region

the Mediterranean basin

Plant part

seed

Sourcing

Organic

Aromatic compound

Anethole (also in anise)

Form

whole dried seed

Sizes

1 oz to 1 lb