Fennel

Fennel seeds are the dried fruits of a feathery, yellow-flowered herb native to the Mediterranean and now grown in India and around the world. They have a sweet, gentle anise-like flavor with a warm, slightly licorice aroma that is softer than star anise. Fennel pairs well with chai spices, licorice, peppermint, chamomile and citrus in herbal blends, and it adds sweetness to rooibos and black tea. In India, candied fennel seeds are a traditional after-meal nibble offered to guests.

Learn about every ingredient we use in our Tea Ingredients A–Z.