Fennel seeds, like many of our popular kitchen spices, originally come from the Mediterranean region and belong to the family of umbellifers. With its high content of essential oils, it was used in tea and tincture form in ancient and medieval times to help with gastrointestinal complaints or feelings of fullness. With its sweet, anise-like aroma, we find it in European cuisine today in bread, pizza, pot roast, or as a topping for cooking fish and meat. Fennel seeds are indispensable in both Mediterranean and Indian cuisine. Turn your next cooking evening into a Bollywood film à la India.