What are fennel seeds? Where do you use fennel seeds? Where are fennel seeds from? Is fennel the same as anise or liquorice / licorice?
Foeniculum vulgare, Spp. Plant Family: Parsley Origin: Southern Europe
We are only talking about the seeds here today - though the rest of plant is eaten and is just as tasty!
- Fennel seeds are a warm sweet spice that sort of tastes like anise/ liquorice / licorice. - Often paired with caraway, cumin, nigella, oregano, and cloves in cooking and spice mixes. - Considered a bridge spice - because it can tie together other flavours. - Common spice in cured meats and sausages in Italy and the Mediterranean. - Porchetta relies heavily on fennel seeds and also fennel pollen. - Works really well with fish dishes. - One of the 5 spices in a Chinese 5 spice powder. - Common in Indian cooking and spice blends like panch poran. - Often used as a palate cleanser after a meal in India - Several liqueurs are flavoured with fennel, including fennouillette, akvavit, gin and absinthe.
