Yahoo Answers is shutting down on May 4th, 2021 (Eastern Time) and beginning April 20th, 2021 (Eastern Time) the Yahoo Answers website will be in read-only mode. There will be no changes to other Yahoo properties or services, or your Yahoo account. You can find more information about the Yahoo Answers shutdown and how to download your data on this help page.

What is the difference between aniseed and fennel (saunf,sombu) ?

Some people are saying aniseed and fennel (saunf,sombu) are same, some are saying different. If anyone tell me the main differences and uses in indian food would be great.

11 Answers

Relevance
  • 1 decade ago
    Favorite Answer

    http://www.indiacurry.com/faqspice/cfaqanisfennel....

    Liquorice Anise Star-Anise and Fennel have similar tastes but all belong to different plant families.

    Hindi Names

    Liquorice: Mulathi

    Anise: Choti saunf

    Fennel: Saunf

    Star-anise: Chakra phool

    Anise Star-Anise and Fennel contain a chemical 'Anethole', that mimics the sweet flavor of Liquorice. The active chemical in Liquorice is glycyrrhizin making it an excellent sweetener. A similar plant with a similar taste called Licorice is grown in United States.

    Liquorice is harvested for its roots and primarily used to make chewing tobacco products. In Hindi, it is called Mulathi. Ground Mulathi is added to Paan and chewed for its sweetness.

    Anise is harvested for its seeds. The seeds are delicate, about the size of cumin seeds. In India, Anise is used as mouth freshener, make candy, and in Benaras Paan.

    In United States 'Licorice candy' is made with Anise and NOT from Liquorice root. In Hindi, Anis is called Choti Saunf, Patli Saunf, or Vilaiti Saunf.

    Fennel is harvested for its seeds. The entire plant is edible. In North India, Fennel is normally used as a pickling spice. In Italy, Fennel is normally used to make sausage. During Akbar period Fennel Greens were combined with other Greens such as Mustard greens to make flavorful Saag. In Hindi, Fennel is called 'Moti Saunf'.

    Star Anise is obtained as seeds from a star-shaped fruit. It closely resembles Anise. Star-anise and Anise are used interchangeably in Kashmir Garam Masala. Star-Anise in Hindi is called Chakra-phool.

  • Anonymous
    6 years ago

    This Site Might Help You.

    RE:

    What is the difference between aniseed and fennel (saunf,sombu) ?

    Some people are saying aniseed and fennel (saunf,sombu) are same, some are saying different. If anyone tell me the main differences and uses in indian food would be great.

    Source(s): difference aniseed fennel saunf sombu: https://tr.im/R1IKS
  • Anonymous
    4 years ago

    1

    Source(s): Pregnancy Solutions http://netint.info/GetPregnantNaturally
  • Anonymous
    1 decade ago

    Ani seeds are used world over daily. Aniseed seeds have had various applications in almost all civilizations world over. Aniseed spice is essential to various foods and dishes. And it is not just in India that the aniseed spice is so popular but it is the same in all parts of globe. Green aniseed is often used for various purposes in household jobs. In fact the green aniseed is often preferred as a mouth freshener. Green aniseed is used as a flavoring agent as well. Ani seeds have a wide range of purposes. Not only is the aniseed spice a vital ingredient for various kinds of recipes but it has relevance in the bakery and confectionaries. Also the aniseed seeds are used in medicinal purposes. The aniseed seeds have been used as digestive aids since long time. Also it might be noted that the ani seeds are used to make liquor as well. The green aniseed may also be used to make perfumes etc.

    Fennel is a bulb from a plant. They are very nice, see picture here.http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Fenouil.jpg

  • How do you think about the answers? You can sign in to vote the answer.
  • ?
    Lv 4
    5 years ago

    For the best answers, search on this site https://shorturl.im/axuUE

    While they all look a like in shape and size, as said both fennel and anise seeds have a licorice flavour, both are used for making Ouzo and Pernod liqueurs, Cumin as said is earthy and smokey tasting and is the prime spice/flavour in both Curry powder mixes and Mexican chili powder, it is used in both whole seed and ground form, so is fennel and anise, star anise as the last young lady before me said is a totally different entity and not related to these, it may have a similar flavour but is not in the same family

  • 1 decade ago

    There is only a slight difference between anise seed and fennel seed. Fennel seed is slightly sweeter and milder. I doubt your recipe would be compromised if you substituted one for the other.

    However, if a recipes calls for Fennel or fennel fronds, not seed, you need to use the vegetable not the seeds.

  • Anonymous
    1 decade ago

    Anise seed cums from star anise, fennel comes from fennel, they are totally different. fennel has a slight aniseed flavour, witch is what mite be confusing you?

  • Anonymous
    5 years ago

    Infertility, like any disease, is simply a sign that something is not right inside the body and must be fixed. How to reverse infertility https://tr.im/hjE14

    I have worked with a lot of women on this issue, and have seen very few health related problems that cause such pain and anxiety as wanting to have a child and not being able to. The good news is that all the women who I have worked with who have changed diet and lifestyle factors have eventually conceived.

  • 5 years ago

    Saunf In English

  • 4 years ago

    Zucchini is commonly regarded as a veg, and in layman's parlance, of course, this is somewhat more useful; however, by stringent definition, the zucchini is a fruit, being the swollen ovary of the zucchini flower.

Still have questions? Get your answers by asking now.