General Description

Fennel is a flowering plant species in the carrot family and is indigenous to the shores of the Mediterranean but has become widely naturalized in many parts of the world. Fennel seeds are the dried fruits of fennel that are small and elliptical in shape. Fennel is quite an aromatic herb and can be described to have delicate anise-like characters, with some of that sweet, earthy and herbal flavour without any overwhelming liquorice characters.

Use Cases

Fennel seed can be used as a main ingredient in the production of absinthe, though it can also be used to flavour a variety of other liqueurs.

Fennel seed is commonly used in India, Afghanistan, Iran and the Middle East as a spice in cooking. It is an essential ingredient of the Assamese/Bengali/Oriya spice mixture Panch Phoron and in Chinese Five-Spice mixtures.

Fennel is also commonly used in egg or fish dishes and is also used in the making of Italian Sausage.

Additional information (If applicable)

Fennel was used by the Romans and Ancient Greeks as a medicine, in food and as an insect repellent. A fennel tea was also believed to give courage to warriors prior to battle. Though these traditions have been outgrown, they’re still interesting nonetheless.

§                     Storage

Keep packet sealed/closed tightly after opening, keep in a cool, dry place and away from pests.

§                     Shelf life

These are dried ingredients and should not spoil in any reasonable time frame provided storage conditions are met, however some flavour and viability may be lost over long periods (Several months) of storage.