Fennel Seeds
🌿 Fennel Seeds (Saunf): A Complete Profile
🔹 Botanical Profile
- Botanical Name: Foeniculum vulgare
- Family: Apiaceae
- Common Names: Saunf (Hindi), Shombu (Tamil), Sompu (Telugu), Badishep (Marathi), Mauri (Bengali), Saunf (Punjabi)
🌾 Botanical Description
- Plant Type: Perennial herb
- Height: 4–6 feet
- Flowers: Bright yellow umbels
- Seeds: Oblong, curved, ridged; pale green to yellowish-brown; 4–8 mm
- Flavor: Sweet, aromatic, slightly licorice-like
🌱 Origin & Cultivation
- Native to: Mediterranean region
- Widely grown in: India (Rajasthan, Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, Punjab), Egypt, Turkey, Iran, China
- Climate: Cool climate with good sunlight
- Harvesting: 90–120 days after sowing (winter crop in India)
🧪 Nutritional & Chemical Composition
| Nutrient | Value (per 100g) |
|---|---|
| Energy | 345 kcal |
| Fiber | 39.8 g |
| Protein | 15.8 g |
| Fat | 14.9 g |
| Carbohydrates | 52 g |
| Minerals | Potassium, Iron, Calcium |
| Vitamins | Vitamin C, A, B-complex |
| Active Compounds | Anethole, Fenchone, Estragole |
🌟 Anethole is the key compound behind fennel’s sweet aroma and many therapeutic benefits.
✅ Health Benefits
- Digestive: Helps indigestion, bloating & gas; stimulates gastric enzymes
- Hormonal Balance: Phytoestrogens may ease menstrual cramps & menopause symptoms
- Antioxidant/Anti-inflammatory: Rich in flavonoids & essential oils
- Respiratory: Eases asthma, cough & bronchitis symptoms
- Weight Management: May curb appetite and support metabolism
- Oral Health: Freshens breath; traditional post-meal mouth freshener
🍽️ Culinary Uses
- Spice in Indian, Middle Eastern & Mediterranean cuisines
- Ground fennel in blends like panch phoron, garam masala
- Pickles, breads, biscuits, sweets
- Fennel tea as a soothing herbal beverage
- Sugar-coated fennel served as a mouth freshener
🏭 Industrial & Traditional Uses
- Fennel Oil: Pharmaceuticals, oral hygiene, cosmetics, flavorings
- Perfumery: Anethole in fragrances and scented oils
- Traditional Medicine: Ayurveda, Unani, Chinese medicine
📦 Product Grades & Packaging
| Grade | Description |
|---|---|
| Green Fennel | Highest quality, aromatic, export grade |
| Bold Seeds | Larger size, sweet aroma |
| FAQ (Fair Average Quality) | For bulk processing, teas, etc. |
Packaging: Bulk 25–50 kg jute/PP bags • Retail 100g, 250g, 500g, 1kg pouches • Customized labeling & OEM available
📈 Market Insights
- Growing demand in organic spice and herbal tea markets
- Popular in natural oral-care products & essential oils
📄 Product Specification Summary
| Attribute | Specification |
|---|---|
| Botanical Name | Foeniculum vulgare |
| Purity | 99% machine-cleaned / sortex |
| Moisture | Max 10% |
| Volatile Oil | 1.0–2.5% (grade-dependent) |
| Shelf Life | 12–24 months |
| HS Code | 0910.99 |
| Origin | India (Gujarat, Rajasthan, etc.) |
🤝 Why Choose Our Fennel Seeds?
- ✅ Trusted Indian farm sourcing
- ✅ High oil content & superior aroma
- ✅ Export-standard cleaning & grading
- ✅ FSSAI, APEDA, USDA Organic compliant
- ✅ Custom packing & private labeling