Fennel Seeds

The fennel plant is native to the southern European and Mediterranean regions, although nowadays it is cultivated and produced in other parts of the world such as India, China and Egypt. Today fennel and fennel seeds are popular in Northern and Southern European cuisines as well as in Chinese and Indian cooking, where they are often included in specific spice blends.
Fennel seeds have different uses in different parts of the world. In Scandinavia and central Europe, the seeds are used in baking, particularly in rye breads and sweet pastries. Fennel is extremely popular in Italy where they are often used to make sausages. Medicinally fennel seeds have traditionally been used to settle the stomach and digestive system. This is due to the high levels of certain components that are known to prevent muscle spasms and cramps. In the Indian culture, fennel seeds are often chewed after a meal in order to prevent gas or indigestion. The seeds can also be made into an after dinner digestive drink to relieve the same symptoms.