Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare)



  • Family: Apiaceae (Carrot family)
  • Parts used: Seeds, bulb, leaves.
  • Culinary Uses:
    • Seeds: Used as a spice in Indian, Middle Eastern, and Mediterranean cuisine. They have a sweet, anise-like flavor.
    • Bulb: Eaten raw or cooked, with a mild licorice taste. Common in salads, soups, and roasted dishes.
    • Leaves: Used as an herb, often for garnishing.
  • Medicinal Uses:
    • Digestive aid: Fennel seeds are known to help with indigestion, bloating, and gas.
    • Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory: Contains compounds like anethole, which have antioxidant properties.
    • Promotes lactation: Traditionally used by nursing mothers.
  • Other uses:
    • Fennel tea is used as a mild appetite suppressant and to relieve menstrual cramps.

Coriander (Coriandrum sativum)

  • Family: Apiaceae (Carrot family)
  • Parts used: Seeds, leaves (also known as cilantro), roots.
  • Culinary Uses:
    • Seeds: Used whole or ground in spice blends like garam masala, and in pickling. They have a warm, citrusy flavor.
    • Leaves (Cilantro): Used fresh in salads, sauces, curries, and chutneys. They have a distinct, slightly citrusy taste.
    • Roots: Common in Southeast Asian cooking, especially in Thai dishes.
  • Medicinal Uses:
    • Digestive aid: Coriander seeds can help with digestion and reduce bloating.
    • Blood sugar control: Studies suggest that coriander seeds may help in managing blood sugar levels.
    • Antioxidant: Coriander leaves and seeds contain antioxidants that can reduce oxidative stress.
  • Other uses:
    • Used in traditional medicine to treat anxiety and as an anti-inflammatory agent.

Dill (Anethum graveolens)

  • Family: Apiaceae (Carrot family)
  • Parts used: Leaves, seeds.
  • Culinary Uses:
    • Leaves: Known as dill weed, they are used in salads, soups, and sauces, especially in European and Middle Eastern cuisines. Dill is also key in pickling (like dill pickles).
    • Seeds: Used as a spice in pickling, and in breads and spice mixes. The flavor is slightly bitter and stronger than the leaves.
  • Medicinal Uses:
    • Digestive aid: Dill seeds are used to relieve gas and indigestion.
    • Antimicrobial: Dill has antibacterial properties and may help preserve foods.
    • Calming effect: Dill is sometimes used to ease anxiety and promote sleep.
  • Other uses:
    • Dill essential oil is used in perfumes and soaps due to its aromatic properties.

Summary:

  • Fennel: Sweet, licorice-like flavor; good for digestion and used both culinarily and medicinally.
  • Coriander: Citrusy and aromatic; used in various forms (seeds, leaves) with benefits for digestion and blood sugar control.
  • Dill: Fresh, slightly bitter taste; popular in pickling, with calming and digestive properties.