Fennel
What is Fennel?
Fennel is a perennial herb belonging to the Apiaceae family, native to the Mediterranean region but now cultivated worldwide. It has a distinctive anise-like flavour and aroma, with feathery leaves and bulbous stems that are both edible.
Is Fennel vegan?
Fennel is not animal-derived. Products that contain it can still include other animal-derived ingredients, so check the full ingredient list.
Is Fennel a major allergen?
Fennel is not one of the 14 major allergens that UK law requires to be emphasised on food labels.
What is Fennel used for?
Fennel is primarily used as a spice and flavouring agent in a wide variety of dishes, particularly in Mediterranean, Indian, and Middle Eastern cuisines.
Is Fennel safe?
Fennel is not a food additive and is recognised as a food ingredient.
Why it's used
Fennel is primarily used as a spice and flavouring agent in a wide variety of dishes, particularly in Mediterranean, Indian, and Middle Eastern cuisines. It is added to savoury dishes like stews, curries, and roasted meats, as well as in baked goods and liqueurs for its unique aromatic profile.
Health notes
Fennel is not a food additive and is recognised as a food ingredient. It is a source of dietary fibre and various micronutrients. Traditional and some scientific studies suggest potential benefits related to digestion, but robust clinical evidence for specific health claims is often limited. Regulatory bodies like the FSA and FSS do not typically evaluate herbs and spices in the same way as food additives.
Allergen info
Fennel is not one of the 14 major allergens that UK law requires to be emphasised on food labels. It is not related to celery, which is in the same plant family.
Foods that contain Fennel
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