Used extensively in French and Italian cooking, fennel is totally edible. You can snip the lacy leaves as soon as they are large enough and use them as a flavorful, aromatic addition to salads and other cold dishes.

Anise Seeds: An ideal substitute for fennel seeds is anise seeds, as they have a similar flavor. As compared to fennel, anise seeds are little bit smaller, and are more pungent. So, both these spices are used as substitutes for each other, in equal amounts.

Dried dill or ground dill seeds are also good substitutes for ground fennel seeds. The similar anise-like aromas intensify from the drying process. As with coriander seeds, the dill seeds are great for pickling too.

anise

The fronds can be used in salads, but the main attraction of fennel is the bulb itself. It’s very firm and crunchy, and it tastes a bit like licorice and anise. It has a fresh, bright taste and it’s one of our favorite vegetables for salads and slaws.

To soften the flavor of the bulb, try braising, sautéing, roasting, or grilling it. Fennel stalks can take the place of celery in soups and stews, and can be used as a “bed” for roasted chicken and meats. Use fennel fronds as a garnish, or chop them and use as you would other herbs, like dill or parsley.

Fennel is used for various digestive problems including heartburn, intestinal gas, bloating, loss of appetite, and colic in infants. It is also used for upper respiratory tract infections, coughs, bronchitis, cholera, backache, bedwetting, and visual problems.

Fennel is a rich source of fibre, which helps you stay fuller for longer, further preventing you from cravings and overeating. This leads to lesser calorie consumption, resulting in weight loss. Consuming saunf may help reduce fat storage by improving vitamin and mineral absorption in the body.

Allergy to celery, carrot or mugwort: Fennel might cause an allergic reaction in people who are sensitive to these plants. Bleeding disorders: Fennel might slow blood clotting. Taking fennel might increase the risk of bleeding or bruising in people with bleeding disorders.

They can cause side effects if you use too much. An research study on animals in 2015 found that high amounts of fennel seed oils raised female hormones in mice. It isn’t known if fennel seeds have the same effect on people or how much you would need to eat. It’s also possible to be allergic to fennel seeds.

The tiny and aromatic fennel seeds come with a rich nutrient, including vitamin C, vitamin A, antioxidants, minerals, and fibres. A tablespoon of fennel seeds daily can reduce your numerous problems. Though research is lacking to prove some benefits of fennel seeds, they may boost your health positively.

It contains phototoxic compounds which can make you more prone to sunburn or can cause inflammation and blisters. It can also lead to a skin condition known as phytophotodermatitis. It can also cause contact dermatitis which is another skin condition.