Fennel Seeds

Fennel seeds, which look much like cumin seeds, are dried seeds that come from the fennel herb plant. It has an aniseed flavour and sweet yet warm aroma. This seed, though not very common in dishes, is used in mixed spices to add another detail of flavour. It does, however, have an acquired taste as it can become very strong if lots of it had been used. Fennel can also be used in its fresh form. but the seeds have the capability to withhold a vast amount of pungent flavour.

Fennel seeds can release more flavour when they are grounded using a pestle and mortar or fried on oil. This makes the flavour more vivid and powerful, and perfect for if you want a strong flavour in some of your dishes. This seed goes well with most fish and meat dishes, however also work very well in vegetarian dishes and can be used to flavour the sauces. If the strong flavour of this seed is too pungent, dill or caraway seeds may be the best alternatives to use.

These seeds also come with health benefits, much like many other spices. Its use as a medical value gives it properties that can protect from infections with its powerful anti-oxidants, improve the digestive system and lower cholesterol. There are also many concentrated minerals within the seeds, needed for a healthy body, including iron, calcium, potassium, magnesium and zinc.