Fennel seeds come from the fennel plant (Foeniculum vulgare), a hardy, perennial herb with yellow flowers. They are small, elongated, and slightly curved, with a greenish or brownish color once dried. Widely used in cooking and traditional medicine, they are essential in many global cuisines, especially Indian, Italian, and Middle Eastern dishes.
The scent profile of fennel seeds is distinctive and aromatic. They offer a sweet, warm aroma reminiscent of anise or licorice due to the presence of anethole, a compound also found in anise and star anise. Alongside their sweetness, fennel seeds also emit a slight earthiness and a refreshing, mildly peppery backdrop, enriching their complexity. This unique combination makes them particularly versatile in savory and sweet culinary applications, from sausages and breads to pastries and teas. In addition to culinary uses, the aromatic qualities of fennel seeds contribute to their inclusion in some natural toothpastes and mouth fresheners.