In This ArticleView AllIn This ArticleWhat Are Fennel Seeds?Are Anise and Fennel the Same Thing?SubstitutesNutritionHealth BenefitsWhere to BuyHow to Cook with Them
In This ArticleView All
View All
In This Article
What Are Fennel Seeds?
Are Anise and Fennel the Same Thing?
Substitutes
Nutrition
Health Benefits
Where to Buy
How to Cook with Them
ClosePhoto: DR NEIL OVERY / Getty ImagesSpices and herbslike fennel seeds offer flavor, aroma and potential health benefits. Whether you use fennel seeds for pickling vegetables, seasoning sausage or making a crust for fish or beef, you’ll soon realize that these aromatic seeds can elevate even the most basic of recipes.Fennel seeds also offer vitamins, minerals andfiber, so you can feel good about working them into your weekly meal plan. Read on to find out what fennel seeds are, their benefits and how you can use them in your dishes.What Are Fennel Seeds?Fennel seeds are harvested from the fennel plant’s flowers and then dried. They tend to be pale green to tan in color with an oval shape. Like thefennel bulb, they have a subtle licorice-like flavor that can lend an earthy, sweet taste to dishes. They pair especially well withseafoodandpork.Are Anise and Fennel the Same Thing?Fennel is sometimes confused with anise and although both are part of the parsley family, anise is a separate species entirely.Anise is grown mainly for its seeds, while fennel has the bulb, frondsandseeds to offer. Anise also has a stronger, sharper licorice flavor compared to fennel.And just to make things a bit more complicated, the strong, distinctive-tasting star anise—a main ingredient in manyChinese dishes—is from a completely different plant family than both fennel and anise.Substitutes for Fennel SeedsIf you need a swap for fennel seed, you can use anise seed since their tastes are similar. However, you will want to use less anise, as it tends to be more pungent. Depending on your preferences, other seeds will work as well, such as dill, caraway, cumin or coriander.Fennel Seeds NutritionHere are the nutrition facts for 1 teaspoon (2 grams) of fennel seeds, per theUSDA:Calories:7 kcalTotal Carbohydrates:1 gDietary Fiber:1 gTotal Sugar:0 gProtein:0.3 gTotal Fat:0.3 gSaturated Fat:0 gCholesterol:0 gSodium:2 mgCalcium:24 mgIron:0.37 mgMagnesium:8 mgManganese:0.13 mgHealth Benefits of Fennel SeedsFennel seeds are tiny but mighty—they contain small amounts of minerals likecalcium, which plays a role in building bones and maintaining nerve and muscle function. In addition, they containiron, an essential nutrient for growth and development, andmagnesiumwhich also supports muscle and nerve functions. Fennel seeds also providemanganese, a mineral that is important for bone health and supporting the immune system.Research published in 2023 in theInternational Journal of Food Propertiessuggests that fennel seeds have a wealth of potential health benefits, including protecting the heart and gut. They may also help stabilize blood sugar, protect against cancer and anxiety and have anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties.Where to Buy Fennel SeedsWhole fennel seeds are sold in the dried spices section of most supermarkets. Ground fennel is also an option, but for maximum freshness and flavor it’s best to buy whole seeds andgrind them yourselfat home. From there, enjoy them on their own or combine them with other spices to make your own unique spice blend. You can also check out our ideas forseasoning blends and herb mixesfor inspiration.How to Cook with Fennel SeedsWith a flavor profile that’s distinctive and herbaceous, fennel seed is a versatile spice that can be used as a seasoning in many types of food—like ourGarlic, Sausage & Kale Naan Pizzas. Add them to salad dressings, main dishes—like pork tenderloin—desserts and more!The Bottom LineUsing more herbs and spices will not only add a ton of flavor to your dishes but potentially health benefits, too. In this case, fennel seeds offer a distinct, earthy flavor and may also support a healthy heart and gut. Buy them whole, grind some up and use them in a variety of savory dishes and desserts.Was this page helpful?Thanks for your feedback!Tell us why!OtherSubmit
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Photo: DR NEIL OVERY / Getty Images
Spices and herbslike fennel seeds offer flavor, aroma and potential health benefits. Whether you use fennel seeds for pickling vegetables, seasoning sausage or making a crust for fish or beef, you’ll soon realize that these aromatic seeds can elevate even the most basic of recipes.Fennel seeds also offer vitamins, minerals andfiber, so you can feel good about working them into your weekly meal plan. Read on to find out what fennel seeds are, their benefits and how you can use them in your dishes.What Are Fennel Seeds?Fennel seeds are harvested from the fennel plant’s flowers and then dried. They tend to be pale green to tan in color with an oval shape. Like thefennel bulb, they have a subtle licorice-like flavor that can lend an earthy, sweet taste to dishes. They pair especially well withseafoodandpork.Are Anise and Fennel the Same Thing?Fennel is sometimes confused with anise and although both are part of the parsley family, anise is a separate species entirely.Anise is grown mainly for its seeds, while fennel has the bulb, frondsandseeds to offer. Anise also has a stronger, sharper licorice flavor compared to fennel.And just to make things a bit more complicated, the strong, distinctive-tasting star anise—a main ingredient in manyChinese dishes—is from a completely different plant family than both fennel and anise.Substitutes for Fennel SeedsIf you need a swap for fennel seed, you can use anise seed since their tastes are similar. However, you will want to use less anise, as it tends to be more pungent. Depending on your preferences, other seeds will work as well, such as dill, caraway, cumin or coriander.Fennel Seeds NutritionHere are the nutrition facts for 1 teaspoon (2 grams) of fennel seeds, per theUSDA:Calories:7 kcalTotal Carbohydrates:1 gDietary Fiber:1 gTotal Sugar:0 gProtein:0.3 gTotal Fat:0.3 gSaturated Fat:0 gCholesterol:0 gSodium:2 mgCalcium:24 mgIron:0.37 mgMagnesium:8 mgManganese:0.13 mgHealth Benefits of Fennel SeedsFennel seeds are tiny but mighty—they contain small amounts of minerals likecalcium, which plays a role in building bones and maintaining nerve and muscle function. In addition, they containiron, an essential nutrient for growth and development, andmagnesiumwhich also supports muscle and nerve functions. Fennel seeds also providemanganese, a mineral that is important for bone health and supporting the immune system.Research published in 2023 in theInternational Journal of Food Propertiessuggests that fennel seeds have a wealth of potential health benefits, including protecting the heart and gut. They may also help stabilize blood sugar, protect against cancer and anxiety and have anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties.Where to Buy Fennel SeedsWhole fennel seeds are sold in the dried spices section of most supermarkets. Ground fennel is also an option, but for maximum freshness and flavor it’s best to buy whole seeds andgrind them yourselfat home. From there, enjoy them on their own or combine them with other spices to make your own unique spice blend. You can also check out our ideas forseasoning blends and herb mixesfor inspiration.How to Cook with Fennel SeedsWith a flavor profile that’s distinctive and herbaceous, fennel seed is a versatile spice that can be used as a seasoning in many types of food—like ourGarlic, Sausage & Kale Naan Pizzas. Add them to salad dressings, main dishes—like pork tenderloin—desserts and more!The Bottom LineUsing more herbs and spices will not only add a ton of flavor to your dishes but potentially health benefits, too. In this case, fennel seeds offer a distinct, earthy flavor and may also support a healthy heart and gut. Buy them whole, grind some up and use them in a variety of savory dishes and desserts.Was this page helpful?Thanks for your feedback!Tell us why!OtherSubmit
Spices and herbslike fennel seeds offer flavor, aroma and potential health benefits. Whether you use fennel seeds for pickling vegetables, seasoning sausage or making a crust for fish or beef, you’ll soon realize that these aromatic seeds can elevate even the most basic of recipes.Fennel seeds also offer vitamins, minerals andfiber, so you can feel good about working them into your weekly meal plan. Read on to find out what fennel seeds are, their benefits and how you can use them in your dishes.What Are Fennel Seeds?Fennel seeds are harvested from the fennel plant’s flowers and then dried. They tend to be pale green to tan in color with an oval shape. Like thefennel bulb, they have a subtle licorice-like flavor that can lend an earthy, sweet taste to dishes. They pair especially well withseafoodandpork.Are Anise and Fennel the Same Thing?Fennel is sometimes confused with anise and although both are part of the parsley family, anise is a separate species entirely.Anise is grown mainly for its seeds, while fennel has the bulb, frondsandseeds to offer. Anise also has a stronger, sharper licorice flavor compared to fennel.And just to make things a bit more complicated, the strong, distinctive-tasting star anise—a main ingredient in manyChinese dishes—is from a completely different plant family than both fennel and anise.Substitutes for Fennel SeedsIf you need a swap for fennel seed, you can use anise seed since their tastes are similar. However, you will want to use less anise, as it tends to be more pungent. Depending on your preferences, other seeds will work as well, such as dill, caraway, cumin or coriander.Fennel Seeds NutritionHere are the nutrition facts for 1 teaspoon (2 grams) of fennel seeds, per theUSDA:Calories:7 kcalTotal Carbohydrates:1 gDietary Fiber:1 gTotal Sugar:0 gProtein:0.3 gTotal Fat:0.3 gSaturated Fat:0 gCholesterol:0 gSodium:2 mgCalcium:24 mgIron:0.37 mgMagnesium:8 mgManganese:0.13 mgHealth Benefits of Fennel SeedsFennel seeds are tiny but mighty—they contain small amounts of minerals likecalcium, which plays a role in building bones and maintaining nerve and muscle function. In addition, they containiron, an essential nutrient for growth and development, andmagnesiumwhich also supports muscle and nerve functions. Fennel seeds also providemanganese, a mineral that is important for bone health and supporting the immune system.Research published in 2023 in theInternational Journal of Food Propertiessuggests that fennel seeds have a wealth of potential health benefits, including protecting the heart and gut. They may also help stabilize blood sugar, protect against cancer and anxiety and have anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties.Where to Buy Fennel SeedsWhole fennel seeds are sold in the dried spices section of most supermarkets. Ground fennel is also an option, but for maximum freshness and flavor it’s best to buy whole seeds andgrind them yourselfat home. From there, enjoy them on their own or combine them with other spices to make your own unique spice blend. You can also check out our ideas forseasoning blends and herb mixesfor inspiration.How to Cook with Fennel SeedsWith a flavor profile that’s distinctive and herbaceous, fennel seed is a versatile spice that can be used as a seasoning in many types of food—like ourGarlic, Sausage & Kale Naan Pizzas. Add them to salad dressings, main dishes—like pork tenderloin—desserts and more!The Bottom LineUsing more herbs and spices will not only add a ton of flavor to your dishes but potentially health benefits, too. In this case, fennel seeds offer a distinct, earthy flavor and may also support a healthy heart and gut. Buy them whole, grind some up and use them in a variety of savory dishes and desserts.
Spices and herbslike fennel seeds offer flavor, aroma and potential health benefits. Whether you use fennel seeds for pickling vegetables, seasoning sausage or making a crust for fish or beef, you’ll soon realize that these aromatic seeds can elevate even the most basic of recipes.
Fennel seeds also offer vitamins, minerals andfiber, so you can feel good about working them into your weekly meal plan. Read on to find out what fennel seeds are, their benefits and how you can use them in your dishes.
Fennel seeds are harvested from the fennel plant’s flowers and then dried. They tend to be pale green to tan in color with an oval shape. Like thefennel bulb, they have a subtle licorice-like flavor that can lend an earthy, sweet taste to dishes. They pair especially well withseafoodandpork.
Fennel is sometimes confused with anise and although both are part of the parsley family, anise is a separate species entirely.
Anise is grown mainly for its seeds, while fennel has the bulb, frondsandseeds to offer. Anise also has a stronger, sharper licorice flavor compared to fennel.
And just to make things a bit more complicated, the strong, distinctive-tasting star anise—a main ingredient in manyChinese dishes—is from a completely different plant family than both fennel and anise.
Substitutes for Fennel Seeds
If you need a swap for fennel seed, you can use anise seed since their tastes are similar. However, you will want to use less anise, as it tends to be more pungent. Depending on your preferences, other seeds will work as well, such as dill, caraway, cumin or coriander.
Fennel Seeds Nutrition
Here are the nutrition facts for 1 teaspoon (2 grams) of fennel seeds, per theUSDA:
Health Benefits of Fennel Seeds
Fennel seeds are tiny but mighty—they contain small amounts of minerals likecalcium, which plays a role in building bones and maintaining nerve and muscle function. In addition, they containiron, an essential nutrient for growth and development, andmagnesiumwhich also supports muscle and nerve functions. Fennel seeds also providemanganese, a mineral that is important for bone health and supporting the immune system.
Research published in 2023 in theInternational Journal of Food Propertiessuggests that fennel seeds have a wealth of potential health benefits, including protecting the heart and gut. They may also help stabilize blood sugar, protect against cancer and anxiety and have anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties.
Where to Buy Fennel Seeds
Whole fennel seeds are sold in the dried spices section of most supermarkets. Ground fennel is also an option, but for maximum freshness and flavor it’s best to buy whole seeds andgrind them yourselfat home. From there, enjoy them on their own or combine them with other spices to make your own unique spice blend. You can also check out our ideas forseasoning blends and herb mixesfor inspiration.
How to Cook with Fennel Seeds
With a flavor profile that’s distinctive and herbaceous, fennel seed is a versatile spice that can be used as a seasoning in many types of food—like ourGarlic, Sausage & Kale Naan Pizzas. Add them to salad dressings, main dishes—like pork tenderloin—desserts and more!
The Bottom Line
Using more herbs and spices will not only add a ton of flavor to your dishes but potentially health benefits, too. In this case, fennel seeds offer a distinct, earthy flavor and may also support a healthy heart and gut. Buy them whole, grind some up and use them in a variety of savory dishes and desserts.
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Thanks for your feedback!
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