Fennel is a flowering plant belonging to the carrot family, while cumin is a flowering plant belonging to the Apiaceae family. Both are aromatic and flavorful spices with medicinal values. However, they have distinct flavor profiles and uses in cooking.
Key Takeaways
- Fennel seeds have a sweet flavor with strong anise seed and licorice notes, while cumin seeds have an earthy, smoky flavor with a hint of bitterness.
- Fennel seeds can be used in both sweet and savory dishes, while cumin seeds are often limited to savory dishes.
- Cumin seeds are used in making homemade curry powder, cosmetics, and components from cumin oil are used in making perfume.
What is Fennel?
Fennel is a perennial herbal plant, also recognized as a hardy crop, that is endemic to the shores of the Mediterranean. It has feathery leaves and yellow flowers, and its dried seeds are used as a spice in cooking. The plant is highly aromatic and nutritious, containing various nutrients such as protein, fat, carbohydrates, calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, sodium, and zinc.
What is Cumin?
Cumin is native to the Irano-Turanian region and is a member of the parsley family. The plant has small white or pink flowers, and its brown, oblong, and rigid seeds are used in cooking, cosmetics, and perfume making. Cumin is used in various cuisines, including Persian dishes, cheese, and bread varieties.
What is the Difference Between Fennel and Cumin?
The key difference between fennel and cumin is their flavor profiles and uses in cooking. Fennel seeds are green and have a sweet flavor with strong anise seed and licorice notes, while cumin seeds are brown and have an earthy, smoky flavor with a hint of bitterness.
Summary – Fennel vs Cumin
In summary, the main difference between fennel and cumin lies in their flavor profiles and culinary uses. Fennel seeds have a sweet, licorice-like flavor and can be used in both sweet and savory dishes, while cumin seeds have an earthy, smoky flavor and are primarily used in savory dishes. Both spices have medicinal values and are used in various applications, such as cosmetics and perfume production.
