When cooked, the bulbs are similar to leeks, although milder and less onion-like. Anise grows smaller than fennel, about 18 inches tall. Both seeds provide the same licorice-like flavor notes, but the flavor of anise seed is the more pungent of the two options. Your email address will not be published. Fennel also boasts 758 micrograms of manganese -- an impressive 33 and 42 percent of the daily manganese needs for men and women, respectively -- compared to … It is native to the Eastern Mediterranean and Southeast Asia. Nutrition Facts. Fennel has also been shown to help increase milk secretion for those who want to continue breastfeeding as much and as long as possible. Despite the fact the two spices have many similarities, their differences are significant when cooking. 11 May. Comparatively, the fennel plant can grow quite tall, up to five feet, and when it goes to seed the flowers are yellow. One tablespoon of fennel seeds contains 20 calories, 3.03 grams of carbohydrate, and 0.92 grams of protein. Sweet fennel is used for its herb-like leaves and seeds. Anise has a sweeter taste and fennel has a little more delicate and woodier taste. The seed is the only edible part of anise. They are good for bronchitis, constipation, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, head lice, coughs and gas. While they are often interchangeable, using one as a substitute for the other is not always ideal. Anise is known to improve digestion, help with insomnia, and since it has outstanding expectorative qualities it is great for asthma. Fennel, like anise, is a flowering plant. Fennel and anise taste similar, but not the same. Anise vs. Star Anise vs. Fennel . When anise seeds ripen, they get a gray-green colour whereas ripe fennel seeds have a brown colour. Fennel can be used as both a spice and a vegetable. Fennel seed is better for marinara sauces and other savory dishes that contain multiple spices where it will show up, but not dominate the way anise seed would. Anise and fennel taste similar, but not the same. The use of the The Spice Guide and the Content is at your own risk. The flavors are not exactly the same, so your dish may end up tasting slightly different than it should. Fennel is quite readily available in most grocery stores, especially the chain stores. With fennel, the seeds, leaves, stems, and bulbs can all be enjoyed. Anise seeds can be used to spice many dishes, while fennel is even more versatile, and can be eaten as a vegetable, seed, or powdered spice. That bulb with stalks and frondlike leaves resembling fresh dill is bulb fennel, not anise. Anise is also used as a flavouring agent in several drinks and also to add spice to sweet pastries. Either can be used to make anise extract as both contain anethole, which produces the characteristic anise flavor. Many spice substitution formulas suggest that they can be used as 1:1 substitutes. They come in two categories — Foeniculum vulgare fennel and Foeniculum vulgare dulce. I have noticed that some stores use that name. Unchecked inflammation can help cause and exacerbate many chronic cardiovascular conditions, and both of these plants have anti-inflammatory effects that may help. If you’re interested in supplementing with anethole you can, but you can also just include these two powerful plants in your diet. In conclusion, fennel and anise are closely related, and look similar in their “vegetable” form. Also, anise is considered a spice and fennel is considered a vegetable. Fennel seed can be used as a substitute in those baked goods, but it is not ideal. Fennel seeds are typically used to flavor sausage and pork dishes. Don’t be afraid … The seeds of Anise and fennel are almost similar; both the seeds are oval in shape. Anise is an annual and fennel is a perennial. Anise vs. Fennel. Visit our sister site PepperScale. That distinctively sharp and potent childhood favorite, whether in the form of Black Crows, braided ropes or tar babies, and their super potent and dangerous adult cousin absinthe, are made from an intriguing little seed called Anise. Studies have found that fennel can help breastfeeding women increase milk volume and milk fat content (needed for healthy infant weight gain). They are so similar that they are often confused with each other. After all, why choose between fennel vs. anise when they both have such amazing health benefits? Both the anise and fennel seeds are used as spice in many countries. Unlike the fennels, the seeds of Anise have a sweet spicy flavour. We recommend you consult with a medical practitioner prior to using any of the advice mentioned. Both the plants and the seeds look awfully alike. Anise vs. Fennel. Don’t be afraid to get creative, because you can’t go wrong with either one. You are here: Home / SPICEography Showdown / Fennel Seed Vs. Anise Seed: SPICEography Showdown. Notify me of followup comments via e-mail, Written by : Prabhat S. Anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, and neuroprotective, this compound has also been studied in anise seeds. Medicinally, fennel seeds and the bulb are used as an anti-inflammatory, to treat stomachaches, or as a diuretic. The bulb of fennel can be grilled, braised or eaten raw in a salad. Fennel Seed Vs. Anise Seed: SPICEography Showdown, Shop fiery spices at the PepperScale Spicery. Both fennel and anise seeds have a sharp, sweet taste reminiscent to licorice, and both can be used for medicinal purposes. Because of its sweet taste, anise is found primarily in liqueurs, baked goods ,and candies. 10 Best Turmeric Powder – Know The Top Choices [Detailed Reviews], Best Cinnamon Supplement: Reviewed And Compared in 2020, turmeric benefits powder guide supplement. They are all sweet and aromatic. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any question you may have regarding a medical condition. And, when you donate, you'll become a member of The Splendid Table Co-op. • Categorized under Food | Difference Between Anise and Fennel. Anise and fennel are the same thing. Anethole has demonstrated scientific promise in suppressing breast cancer cells and promoting cancer cell death on multiple occasions, and it’s also been linked to protecting against liver cancer. It provides the same licorice notes but they are a little more pungent, which means that you may need to use less of it. As for their culinary uses, anise seeds are flavoring meals all over the world, including biscotti cookies, Italian sausage and marinara recipes, Norwegian breads, Asian cuisines, delicious liqueurs and more). They both contain anethole, which is responsible for their similar flavors. The two are both good for a cough and can help with colic. They’re also a great addition to certain breads, stews, or pasta sauces. Fennel, similar to anise, is used in cooking and medicine. Of course, this is incorrect. Fennel seeds and anise seeds are two very similar spices that many consider interchangeable. Cite Fennel is native to the Mediterranean but is established in many parts of the world. Let’s find out the difference between fennel and anise. Both fennel and anise seeds are sources of an essential oil called anethole, which is responsible for their flavors as well as the flavors of other spices like the aforementioned star anise and herbs like tarragon. Your gift only takes a few minutes and has a lasting impact on The Splendid Table and you'll be welcomed into The Splendid Table Co-op. Summary. Anise seed is both confused for fennel seed and used in place of it in spice blends like Chinese five-spice powder and Indian panch phoran as well as in the mix of spices used to flavor Italian sausage. Anise seeds can be used to spice many dishes, while fennel is even more versatile, and can be eaten as a vegetable, seed, or powdered spice. Both the seeds are known to augment the production of breast milk, ease pain during delivery and improve digestion. Prabhat S. "Difference Between Anise and Fennel." Your email address will not be published. Meanwhile anise seed has been studied in relation to menopause and has been shown to help reduce many unpleasant symptoms of the transition due to its ability to mimic estrogen. One factor that shows the difference between anise and fennel is the nutrition facts.