There are many spices that can be used for cooking. Fennel seeds and ground fennel both have their own unique taste and smell, but what is the difference between them?
Fennel seeds come from an herb called Foeniculum vulgare and they contain a mild licorice flavor. Ground fennel is made by grinding up dried fennel seeds and it has a more pungent flavor than the seeds.
Both types of fennel can be used in soup or stew recipes to add some extra flavor, but ground fennel tends to go well in dishes with heavier sauces. They also have different textures so you should look for whichever one you prefer.
What are fennel seeds?
Fennel seeds are the dried fruit of the fennel plant, which contains a mild licorice flavor. They can be used in soup or stew recipes to add some extra flavor. Ground fennel is made by grinding up dried fennel seeds and it has a more pungent flavor than the seeds.
What is ground fennel?
Ground fennel is made by grinding up dried fennel seeds. It has a more pungent flavor than the seeds.
How do they taste and smell?
Fennel seeds tend to have a mild licorice flavor with a crisp texture. Ground fennel has a more pungent flavor with a slightly gritty texture.
Why should you use them?
There are many reasons why you should use either fennel seeds or ground fennel. For example, if you want to add some extra flavor to your dish without changing the texture then both are great options to choose from. You can also choose depending on what type of flavor you are hoping for, but they both have their own unique taste and smell.
However, it is worth noting that the seeds tend to take longer to cook than ground fennel so if you need your meal to cook quickly then ground fennel might be a better option.
If you’re looking for a way to spice up your dish with an extra kick then ground fennel would be the best choice because it has a stronger flavor than the seeds. Fennel seeds are milder in flavor and they also have a softer texture when eaten so they’re better suited for soups and stews.
How to store them properly
You can store them both in your spice cabinet, but you should know that you’ll need to use ground fennel within two years of opening the package. Ground fennel will stay fresh for up to five years if stored in a cool, dark place.
Conclusion
Fennel seeds have a fresh, almost licorice flavor and a slightly sweet aroma. They also have a high content of anethole, which gives them their characteristic scent.
Ground fennel is the ground seeds from the fennel plant. Ground fennel is less aromatic than the seeds, but still has a fresh taste and a slight sweetness to it.
Fennel seeds are comprised of roughly half anethole, which is responsible for their distinctive fragrance. Ground fennel contains a lower concentration of anethole, but has a similar taste and aroma to the seeds.
