Fennel seeds are one of the world’s most popular and used spices, trailing only behind clove and black pepper. This soft, slender perennial plant has many culinary uses. The roots are commonly used as medicine. The bulb is shaved into salads, pickled, or roasted until achingly sweet and tender. The flowers are used as a finishing herb and flavoring for delicate spirits. The seeds are added to all sorts of foods, and medicinally they act as both a digestive and a breath freshener.
Fennel seed is commonly used with pickles, lentils, beets, potatoes, or cabbage. Used to flavor cheese spreads, salad dressings, or butter, this versatile spice has so many great applications. The flavor of the Fennel seeds pair well with game or grains, and can also be used in cookies, spiced tea, cakes, or bread.