DESCRIPTION -
Fennel seeds are the dried seed of the fennel herb and resemble cumin seeds, only greener. They have an anise-like flavor and a warm, sweet aroma. They can be used alone or in the Indian spice panch puran. They are primarily grown in India and Mediterranean areas. They are known to offer a wide range of health-enhancing nutritional properties.
Chewing fennel seeds after a meal as a mouthwash is a common practice in India. Most restaurants offer flavored or plain saunf at the end of a meal. Ayurveda recommends consuming fennel raw, without cooking it.

PREPARATION AND USE –

• Crush or grind whole fennel seeds just before adding them to your cooking or tea. This helps release more oil and flavor.
• Add toasted fennel seeds to dishes for a sweet, licorice-like flavor.
• Make a simple tea by crushing a tablespoon of fennel seeds and pouring them over hot water.
• Add a tablespoon of seeds to the dough for baked goods.
• Some people use fennel and fennel seeds to make a natural gripe water for older babies. This water can help relieve symptoms of gas or colic in babies.
• Fennel seed is a versatile spice that can be used as a base for steaks or fish (try it here in this Fennel-Crusted Salmon over White Beans) as well as a seasoning for soups (like in this Fennel Rice Soup). Add it to salad dressings, main dishes like pork tenderloin, desserts, and more!

THE HEALTH BENEFITS –

• Helps to reduce weight loss.
• Increase milk production for breastfeeding women
• Helps regulate blood pressure
• Reduce water retention
• Fennel seeds reduce asthma symptoms
• The essential oils and fiber in these seeds are considered very useful for eliminating toxins and sludge from our body, which helps cleanse the blood.
• A handful of these seeds could also do wonders for your eyesight.
• When eaten regularly, fennel seeds provide the body with valuable minerals such as zinc, calcium, and selenium.

NUTRITIONAL VALUES – per 100g

• Calories - 27
• fiber - 3 grams
• Vitamin C -12%
• Calcium - 3%
• Iron -4%
• Magnesium - 4%
• Potassium - 8%
• Manganese - 7%