Fennel seeds have long been used in India and China for its medicinal values. In fact, it was considered to be an effective antidote for scorpion and snack bite.

Beliefs like fennel seeds can guard from witchcraft, gave this spice a special significance in human lives. Fennel got its name from funcho, the Portuguese word for fennel.

Fennel seeds are 1/4 to 1/2 inch long and have yellowish brown color. They are oblong, elliptical, straight or slightly curved with prominent ridges.