Whole fennel seed

Fennel seed whole, the bridge between sweet and savoury

Fennel seed whole is a delicious spice originating from Asia. Although it is a favourite in the cuisines of the Middle East and India, it is also used in southern Europe. Adding just a few seeds will give your dish a spicy and aniseed-like flavour. Fennel seed is popular because of its flavour, but not in the least because of its medicinal properties. These have been known for centuries. Fennel seeds whole can be ordered online at Natural Spices in a package of 1 or 25 kilos. After buying you should keep the spice tightly closed and in a dark, dry place. This is when they retain their flavour the longest.

Where does fennel seed come from?

Fennel seed comes from the fennel plant. When the flowers of this plant have finished flowering, the seeds are formed. These are dried after harvesting and can be used as a spice. Fennel seed whole looks like short, elongated seeds with a green to brown-yellow colour.

Fennel seed whole has a very characteristic flavour. It tastes a bit like aniseed and is soft and spicy. The seeds smell like a combination of anise and liquorice. When eaten raw they are a bit bitter, but when you roast them the real taste comes out. That is why we advise to bruise and roast the seeds before use.

In which dishes do you use this spice?

In oriental cuisine fennel seed whole is often seen as the bridge between sweet and savoury. For this reason the seed is part of the 5 Spices spice mix. The spice adapts somewhat to the flavour character of the dish, as it were, without losing that of itself. Fennel seeds whole can be used for example in bread and soups, but also in tomato sauces and fish dishes. It is also often used in pickling vegetables. Italians and French people love this spice in their stews and meat dishes. The seed suits sweet dishes such as apple pie or pudding, very well too. Or you can use it to make fennel tea.

The health benefits

What the Romans thought hundreds of years ago, is still scientifically supported today. Fennel seed is very healthy. It is said to be an antioxidant and to have an anti-inflammatory effect, among other things. Fennel seeds are also very effective for abdominal pain and help reduce the risk of various types of cancer. By ordering this spice online you not only get a characteristic flavouring, but also a natural medicine with many advantages.