What is the difference between fennel and cumin?

The fennel, which is our common anise, and the cumin, which is Huaixiang, is a kind of vegetable whose fruit is the spice and the stem and leaves are the edible organs. Fennel and cumin are one of the seasonings often used in our cooking, mostly used in stewing, saucing, burning dishes, which can play a role in increasing the aroma and odor. So what is the difference between fennel and cumin? Fennel, is our common anise, and cumin is Huaixiang, its fruit as a spice, stems and leaves as edible organs of a vegetable. Fennel and cumin are one of the seasonings we often use in cooking, mostly used in stewing, sauce, roasted dishes, can play the role of aroma and odor. So what is the difference between fennel and cumin? The following and the editor to take a look at it.

One, the difference between the family

Cumin is the dry mature fruit of the umbelliferae fennel, fennel is a magnolia anise plant.

The difference in appearance

From the appearance, fennel has eight horns, dark brown, thick horn petals, straight sharp corners, and upward curved stalks. Cumin is very similar to grain husk in appearance and color. Compared to cumin, fennel is a bit bigger and fatter in shape.

Three, the difference in taste

From the taste, fennel has a pleasant licorice flavor, mint and fruit flavor, similar to cumin, but stronger than the licorice flavor of fennel, chewing to the mouth will be spread out of the fragrant aroma, the Indian people chewing fennel as chewing gum can be fresh breath. Cumin has a camphor-like odor, slightly sweet and bitter taste and burning tongue.

Four, the difference in efficacy

From the efficacy, first of all, fennel has the effect of increasing the flavor of meat, so that the meat flavor is more mellow, and play the effect of appetite. Secondly, it has the therapeutic effect of warming yang and dispersing cold, regulating qi and relieving pain. In addition, fennel has certain pharmacological effects, antibacterial, analgesic and other effects, anisole contained in fennel with estrogen-like effect and strong sensitization. Fennel has the function of dispersing cold and relieving pain, warming the kidneys and shrinking urine and opening the stomach, in addition to the role of detoxification of fish and meat.

Fifth, the difference between cooking applications

While large, cumin are commonly used seasoning, is a fish stew, the production of brined food must be used, can remove the odor of meat, so that it re-added incense. But their heating time is not the same, fennel in the stir-fry is easy to scorch, so be sure to pay attention to the fire is not too large, so as not to affect the beauty of the dish. Fennel can be heated for a long time, as long as it does not produce a burnt flavor.

The above is an introduction to the difference between fennel and cumin, which have similar applications in cooking, so they are often easily confused. Fennel seeds have a stronger flavor when cooked, while cumin seeds have a stronger flavor when sautéed or roasted.