Fennel Seeds: An Old After-Dinner Habit
In many cultures, a few fennel seeds after a meal are as normal as a cup of coffee. Here is why, and how to try it.
Photo by Jaspreet Kalsi on Unsplash
In India, many restaurants offer a small bowl of fennel seeds by the door. In Italy and across the Mediterranean, fennel has been part of cooking for centuries. The habit of chewing a few seeds after a meal is very old.
Why people use it
Fennel seeds have a sweet, anise-like taste that freshens the breath. Traditionally they are used after meals when people feel full or bloated. Research on fennel for digestion is limited, but the habit is pleasant and simple.
How to use fennel seeds
- Chew them: half a teaspoon of seeds after a meal.
- Make a tea: lightly crush one teaspoon of seeds, pour on hot water, cover and steep for ten minutes. Strain and drink warm.
- Cook with them: fennel seeds are lovely in bread, sausages, roasted vegetables and tomato sauces.
Safety notes
- Fennel tea is generally considered safe for most adults in normal amounts.
- Fennel contains plant compounds that can act a little like estrogen. If you have a hormone-sensitive condition, ask your doctor.
- Talk to a doctor before giving fennel tea to babies or using it during pregnancy.
A small ritual
A few seeds or a warm cup after dinner can be a gentle signal that the meal is over and the evening can slow down.
