Fennel Seed (Foeniculum vulgare Mill.) – Overview & Description
Description:
Fennel is the dried seed of Foeniculum vulgare, a flavorful herb in the Apiaceae family. It has a sweet, anise-like flavor and is widely used in culinary, medicinal, and aromatic applications. The seeds are small, greenish-yellow, and ridged.
- Scientific Name: Foeniculum vulgare
- Family: Apiaceae (Umbelliferae)
- Origin: Mediterranean region
- Plant Type: Herbaceous, biennial or perennial
- Plant Height: 1.5–2.5 meters
- Seed Characteristics: Small, oblong, greenish-yellow, ridged
- Essential Oil Content: 2–6% (mainly anethole and fenchone)
- Soil & Climate: Loamy to sandy soil, cool and dry weather, temperate to subtropical climate
Key Characteristics:
- Color: Greenish-yellow
- Shape: Small, oblong, and ridged
- Flavor: Sweet, anise-like
- Aroma: Strong and pleasant, due to anethole
Common Uses:
- Culinary: Used in spice blends, breads, curries, and teas
- Medicinal: Helps with digestion, bloating, and gas
- Essential Oils: Used in perfumes, flavorings, and herbal medicine
Health Benefits:
- Aids digestion and soothes the gastrointestinal tract
- Helps relieve bloating and indigestion
- Contains powerful antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds