Definition

1. Noun:
   • The aromatic seed of the fennel plant: "fennel seed" refers specifically to the small, oval, greenish-brown dried seeds harvested from the flower heads of the common fennel plant (Foeniculum vulgare). They are known for their sweet, licorice-like (anis-scented) flavor and aroma.

Usage

• Fennel seeds are used as a spice in cooking and baking.
• They are often chewed raw as a breath freshener or digestive aid.
• They are a key ingredient in certain spice blends, such as Chinese five-spice powder or Indian panch phoron.

Examples

• Noun:
  • The recipe calls for a teaspoon of crushed fennel seed.
  • She added fennel seed to the sausage mixture for extra flavor.
  • After dinner, he chewed a few fennel seeds to aid digestion.

Advanced Usage

• "Toasted fennel seed": Seeds that have been dry-roasted in a pan to enhance their nutty flavor and aroma before use.
  • Toasted fennel seed adds a deeper flavor to the curry.

Variants and Related Words

• Fennel (noun): The plant itself, of which the seeds, bulb, and fronds are all used culinarily.

  • The fennel bulb can be sliced and used in salads.

• Florence fennel (noun): A variety of fennel cultivated for its edible bulb.

  • Florence fennel has a crisp texture similar to celery.

Synonyms

• Spice seed: A general term for seeds used as spices.
• Anise seed (Note: This is a seed from a different plant, , with a very similar flavor profile, often used interchangeably in some contexts but botanically distinct).

Related Phrases

• Fennel seed tea: An infusion made by steeping the seeds in hot water, often consumed for its purported health benefits.
  • She drinks fennel seed tea to soothe her stomach.

Noun

1. aromatic anis-scented seeds