Fennal seeds may be yellowish or greenish in appearance. While the yellow variety is usually used in cooking, the greener variety is softer, naturally sweeter and much better as an oral digestive and mouth freshener. The green variety is considered to be superior in quality.

Traditionally, Fennel seeds are considered as one of the best herbs for fish dishes. It is also used to flavour breads, cakes and confectionary. It is an ingredient of Chinese Five Spices.

Fennel seeds are very effective for digestive problems. In India, these are routinely chewed upon after meals to aid  digestion after a rich meal while acting as a herbal mouth freshener.