If there is a difference between anise and fennel, what is it? Star anise is yet another thing, with a somewhat more spicy flavor. A great way to remember the difference is that we can only eat the seeds of the anise plant whereas we can eat other parts of the fennel plant as the article also described. The flavor of fennel seed is a little more delicate and a little woodier than the flavor … Fennel seeds are the main flavor constituent in Italian sausage and also used in flavored tea preparation. Anise is considered as a highly aromatic and flavorful herb with cooking and medicinal uses. I don't know if anyone else feels this way though. Star anise is yet another thing, with a somewhat more spicy flavor. Medicinally, fennel seeds and the bulb are used as an anti-inflammatory, to treat stomachaches, or as a diuretic. 43, no 5, 868-871 pages, INIST: 3610745. Fennel, with its milder licorice flavor, also has a slightly woody flavor and, thus, works well in marinara sauce and other savory dishes. Hopefully, it’ll help make your holiday season as special as possible. The chemistry in fennel makes it a better choice to facilitate birthing or … Both anise and fennel belong to the Apiaceae family. If you use fennel seed in a recipe that calls for the use of anise, you just may need to use a little more of it to get the correct flavor profile. Historically, several different plants have been referred to as "anise." Use it where fennel bulb is called for. Anise seeds have been used for thousands of years as a remedy for persistent cough, excessive gas, and bad breath. In New Mexico, Christmas cookies, or Biscochitos, are made using aniseed. Coming from Engineering cum Human Resource Development background, has over 10 years experience in content developmet and management. Ono M, Ito Y, Kinjo J, Yahara S, Nohara T and Niiho Y., Chemical and pharmaceutical bulletin, 1995, vol. Many cooks use them interchangeably and may find them under either or both names in some grocers. This form of anise gets its name from the eight-pointed star that forms a pod for its seeds. Fennel seed By Howcheng (Own work) [GFDL, CC-BY-SA-3.0 or CC BY-SA 2.5], via Wikimedia Commons, 2. The entire plant of fennel is edible whereas it is typically the seeds from the anise plant that are edible. In New Mexico, Christmas cookies, or Biscochitos, are made using aniseed. It's their similar licorice like flavor that has made people think that these are the same or in the same family but they're not. Can You Make Buttermilk With Almond Milk? Fennel and anise also belong to this spice group, and they share a similar taste profile as well as both plants have similar features. Fennel vs. Anise – What are the Differences? These plants have proven health benefits thanks to the plant compounds they share in common, and you can gain those benefits just from cooking with them. Anise seed comes from a bush that is grown specifically for the seed; no other part of the plant is eaten. @serenesurface-- Actually, star anise that grows in China and other Asian countries does not belong to the same family as the anise described here. Many parts of the fennel plant are edible. They are; Fennel is also used as a flavoring in natural toothpaste and used in cookery and sweet desserts. Fennel seeds come from a bulbing plant (Florence fennel) that is eaten as a vegetable. Compare the Difference Between Similar Terms. It is erect and develops to heights of up to 2.5 m, with hollow stems. It is often used in Chinese five spice powder and Indian panch phoran and imparts a heavier licorice flavor than fennel. While both fennel (Foeniculum vulgare) and anise (Pimpinella anisum) are native to the Mediterranean and both are from the same family, Apiaceae, there is, indeed, a difference. Star anise or Chinese anise form the eight-pointed star shaped pod for its seeds. Fennel seed can be used as a substitute in those baked goods, but it is not ideal. As a thank you for joining our campaign, we’ll gift you our brand new eBook,. Both anise and fennel belong to the Apiaceae family. Anise is a totally different plant whose seeds are used for flavoring. Anise seed is more sweet and herbal smelling and tasting. With our brand new eBook, featuring our favorite DIY projects for the whole family, we really wanted to create a way to not only show our appreciation for the growing Gardening Know How community, but also unite our community to help every one of our neighbors in need during these unprecedented times. I love the fronds in broth and the little feathers on salad. Therefore, it works best in sweet dishes, liqueurs, as well as candies, unlike the fennel seed. Both anise and fennel belong to the Apiaceae family. The holiday might look a little different this year—but we’ll be right by your side (as always!)