Fennel and cumin seeds are both members of the parsley family. They can be used in many different ways, but they also have some differences. The two spices add flavor to food and add texture when ground. You can tell the difference by taste, aroma, and color.
Fennel has a sweet flavor and an aromatic smell while cumin is earthy with a nutty scent. Fennel seeds are usually harvested green while cumin seeds are harvested dry. Cumin seeds are usually darker in color than fennel seeds. Which one do you need?
What do fennel and cumin seeds look like?
Fennel seeds are usually harvested green. They have a sweet flavor and an aromatic smell. Cumin seeds are usually darker in color than fennel seeds. Fennel seeds are smaller than cumin seeds, so they can be used more liberally when cooking or baking.
How to use fennel seeds
Fennel seeds are used as a spice and may be found in spice blends such as curry, Mexican, Indian, and dal. You can also cook them with fish and meats before roasting them to enhance the flavor. They can also be ground and mixed with other spices like black pepper to create a rub for meat or fish.
How to use cumin seeds
Cumin seeds are used to flavor many dishes, including curries and pilafs. It can also be sprinkled on breads or other wheat products like pizza dough. It is often used in the preparation of chilies and pickles, usually in the form of a powder.
Conclusion
Fennel and cumin seeds are both used in cooking to add an earthy flavor to your dishes. Fennel seeds tend to be smaller than cumin seeds and have a sweeter, milder flavor than cumin. Cumin seeds are typically larger than fennel seeds and have a more pronounced, spicy flavor. If you’re not sure which one to use, try substituting one for the other in one of your recipes. If you like the taste, you can start to plan recipes that call for one or the other.