Fennel seeds have a recognizable long, thing shape and are pale green or brown in color. They give a sweet licorice-like taste and scent to curries, stews, bread, desserts, and beverages. In some parts of the world, people chew plain or sugar-coated fennel seeds after a meal.

Below are a number of ideas on how you can use fennel seeds in your cooking:
Use fennel seeds to make fish soup and fish stock.
Add fennel seeds to salads, particularly cucumber salad.
Add to soft cheese and spread on bread.
Use the seeds when making bread or biscuits.
Use in sausage mixtures.
Use in any pork dishes, stews or casseroles.
Sprinkle ground fennel seeds over fish or meat.
Use in Italian-style pasta sauces.
Use in pickling solutions.
Use in a marinade for meat, fish or vegetables.
Add to poaching or steaming liquid for fish and shellfish.
Add to couscous, lentil, bean or bulgur wheat dishes.
Add to homemade coleslaw or potat