Fennel Seed

Fennel seeds are known as saunf in most of northern India and in Nepal (the same word, confusingly, is often used for anise seeds). They are long and rounded, pale green, and strongly aromatic, the seeds of sweet fennel (Foeniculum vulgare), which, like anise, is a member of the carrot family (Umbellifera). The anise/licorice taste is related to that of cumin, caraway, and anise but is more fresh and forward. Fennel is one of the spices in the Bengali five-spice mixture panch phoron and is also chewed as a digestive and breath freshener after a meal. Fennel seeds are widely available in grocery stores.