In India fennel which is more commonly known as saunf is used as seeds, it comes in colors ranging from bright green to pale green and tan and has a licorice like taste sweeter and slightly less pungent and intense than licorice.

Fennel is used extensively in Indian cooking. While it is mostly used in seed form, some dishes do call for the seeds to be roasted and powdered. Some key Masalas (spice mixes) in Indian cooking, like the 5 spice mix, have saunf as one of their ingredients. saunf is often used in tadka or tempering of dishes and in pickles and chutneys. It is also considered a digestive and mouth freshener and chewed by many as an after dinner 'mint' which is either sugar coated or just plain.

Some fun facts about fennel:

• Fennel seeds are actually the fruit of the Fennel plant!
• Fennel is often given to young mothers to increase lactation.
• India is the world's #1 producer of Saunf.
• Flies dislike fennel, so sprinkling some fennel powder in an area usually gets rid of them!