Fenugreek and fennel seeds

Types of fenugreek and fennel seeds

Both fenugreek and fennel seeds are highly valued in cuisines as well as in herbal medicine throughout the world, and they are commonly used individually. However, below are the most common types used when they are mixed together.

• Whole seeds

  This is probably the most common form in which the two seeds are bought. Whole seeds are preferred because they can be stored for much longer and have a much fresher taste than pre-ground seeds. Whole seeds can be ground at home, when required, to make freshly ground spice powder. Whole seeds offer more flexibility in strength and flavor.

• Bulk ground powder

  This combination may also be found in some health supplements where buyers take them in powdered form to make the most of the health benefits they offer to the body when mixed together. When buying fenugreek and fennel as fenugreek seeds powder and fennel seeds in bulk and in powdered form, consider factors such as the ratio, fineness of the grind, and the quality of the seeds used.

• Organic seeds

  These organic fenugreek seeds and fennel seeds are seeds that are grown and harvested without the application of artificial chemicals on the seeds. They are highly sought by consumers wishing to acquire the most natural and unadulterated spices. Organic seeds can be bought as whole seeds or ground powder.

• Roasted seeds

  These are usually whole fennel seeds that have been lightly toasted in order to enhance their flavor and aroma. Buyers might think roasted seeds have a longer shelf life than raw seeds, but this is not necessarily the case as the roasting process brings oils to the surface of the seeds which could then go rancid if not stored properly.

• Coarse/ Fine grind

  These two types refer to the coarseness levels of the grinding. Coarse grind offers seeds with a rough texture which are mostly used in spice blends, while fine grind makes powder which can be used in baking, cooking, and Ayurvedic supplements.

How to use fenugreek and fennel seeds

Certain preparations enhance the body and culinary uses of the combined benefits of fenugreek pods and seeds as well as fennel seeds. Below are some of the most common ways in which these seeds are used.

• Culinary uses

  Both seeds are used to prepare flavorful and aromatic spice blends used to season dishes, offer flavor to foods, and preserve them. For instance, fenugreek seeds are used to prepare panch phoran, a popular spice blend from eastern India that is used to season pickles, vegetables, lentils, and fish, while fennel seeds are used to prepare Indian masalas for meats, roasted vegetables, curries, rice dishes, etc. Both seeds are also used in the preparation of Ras el Hanout, a Moroccan spice mix.

• Herbal tea

  Both seeds can be combined together to create a flavorful herbal tea with wonderful aromas, especially when combined with other herbs like peppermint, lemon balm, or green tea leaves. This combination offers a tea with yummy flavors and aroma as well as numerous health benefits. Buyers can purchase fennel and fenugreek seeds and prepare their own herbal tea.

• Natural supplements

  The combined goodness of fennel and fenugreek seeds makes them highly popular in natural medicine, thanks to the many health benefits they are known to offer. These seeds are commonly combined into a single dietary supplement to facilitate ease of consumption due to their synergistic health benefits.

• Asthma treatments

  When combined together in a paste and possibly even combined with other herbs, such as turmeric, ginger, or tulsi leaves, fennel and fenugreek seeds can be used as a natural remedy to help ease asthma and other respiratory problems.

• Ingredient in skin and hair care products

  Fenugreek leaves and seeds, together with fennel seeds, are commonly included in Ayurvedic or natural skin and hair care products due to their ability to help improve skin and hair health. They are horny added to shampoos, conditioners, hair masks, facial scrubs, and face packs to naturally cleanse and improve skin and hair health.

How to choose fenugreek and fennel seeds

When it comes to buying fennel seed benefits and fenugreek seeds health benefits online, buyers need to consider the following factors.

• Quality

  This is especially the case when buying whole seeds as poor-quality seeds will have less flavor or may contain impurities that are harmful to health. Choose seeds that feel hard and are heavy from their weight, with a strong and pungent aroma, smooth surfaces, and no discoloration, cracks, or visible impurities.

• Organic vs Conventional

  Organic seeds are the most recommended because they are grown without harsh chemicals such as pesticides and synthetic fertilizers, and artificial herbicides, which might remain on the seeds and contaminate them. However, they are slightly more expensive than conventional seeds. Buyers that prioritize sustainability, health, and environmental conservation are likely to be interested in buying organic seeds.

• Freshness

  Fennel and fenugreek seeds are sometimes sold in bulk. Unless intending to buy the seeds in large quantities to resell or use in manufacturing processes, buyers are better off buying smaller quantities of fresh seeds. When buying in bulk, ensure proper storage is done in airtight containers in cool and dry places away from direct sunlight.

• Origin

  Both seeds are commonly grown in India and the Mediterranean region. Some regions are known to produce seeds with stronger, more potent flavors than others. Seeds that are not grown in their native region might not have the same flavor profile, potency, or aromatic strength.

• Storage and packaging

  Consider the availability of airtight, UV-proof, and moisture-proof packaging for the seeds. Good-quality packaging helps preserve the freshness and flavor of the seeds. Avoid purchasing seeds that are sold in damaged or poor-quality packaging, or in bulk that has been exposed to moisture or direct sunlight.

• Price

  Organic seeds, seeds from rare or hard-to-find varieties, or seeds grown in regions known to produce high-quality seeds usually cost more than their counterparts. Seed quality is crucial in determining flavor, aroma, and potential health benefits; therefore, it is worth investing in good-quality seeds.

How to store and maintain fenugreek and fennel seeds

The right storage of both fennel seed oil and fenugreek seeds benefits is vital for the preservation of their freshness, flavor, aroma, and nutritional content. Below are some storage tips for maintaining the quality of the seeds.

• Cool temperature

  Both seeds should be stored in cool temperatures, preferably between 60°F and 75°F (15°C and 24°C). This can be in a dry pantry, cupboard, or spice storage cabinet, but not in places like the refrigerator or freezer, where high humidity and condensation could affect them. Do not store the seeds in the oven or near heat sources like stoves, radiators, or heaters.

• Dry

  Both seeds should be kept dry and airtight to prevent the growth of mold and bacteria. Store them in airtight containers made of glass, stainless steel, or low-density polyethylene (LDPE) plastic. Avoid storing them in containers made of high-density polyethylene (HDPE) plastic, as this may affect the seeds due to the release of certain chemicals.

• Darkness

  Fennel and fenugreek seeds have essential oils that are sensitive to light. Therefore, it is important to ensure that they are kept in opaque containers or stored in a dark pantry or cupboard. Direct sunlight can degrade the oils in the seeds, reduce their potency, and cause them to lose flavor.

• Separate from other spices and herbs

  Store fennel and fenugreek seeds separately from other spices, herbs, or strong-smelling foods like onions, garlic, or cheeses. This is because fennel seeds are highly aromatic and could easily transfer their scent to other spices or be contaminated by their odors, which could affect their flavor in meals.

• Containers

  This is because both seeds can be stored together in the same airtight container if buying them in bulk or storing them together for short-term use. The two seeds can also be kept in separate small containers inside a larger container to minimize mixing, especially if they have different aromas and flavors.

• Duration

  Proper conditions increase the shelf life of the seeds. When properly stored, whole fennel seeds can last up to 2-3 years, while whole fenugreek seeds can last up to 1-2 years. Ground fennel and fenugreek seeds have a shorter shelf life of about 6-12 months due to the exposure of the seeds during grinding and loss of essential oils.

Q & A

Q1

Q1: When fennel and fenugreek seeds are taken together, what do they do?

A1

Both seeds are commonly used together in culinary and medicinal applications, and both have similar uses. Buyers can purchase them as whole seeds or in powdered form, and take them individually, combine them into spice mixes, or add them to herbal teas and natural supplements.

Q2

Q2: Can fennel and fenugreek seeds be taken together at night for weight loss?

A2

Fennel and fenugreek seeds are commonly taken at night when combined into tea for weight loss and other benefits, such as improved digestion and better sleep. Research on the effectiveness of these seeds for weight loss is still inconclusive, but many people claim to have lost some weight by drinking the tea.

Q3

Q3: Are fenugreek and fennel seeds the same?

A3

No, they are not the same. Fenugreek and fennel plants are different from each other and both offer different kinds of seeds. Both have different flavors and aromas, growing habits, and health benefits.

Q4

Q4: Can fennel and fenugreek seeds be mixed together for castor oil to grow back hair?

A4

Yes, they can be mixed together and applied with castor oil to the hair and beard. Both seeds have wonderful health-improving properties that can be transferred to the hair and beard through the oil to improve hair and beard health. In doing so, they offer better moisturizing, strengthening, promoting better blood circulation, and hence improving growth.