Dill vs. Fennel

Dill and fennel are types of aromatic herbs that belong to the celery family. They originate from Mediterranean region, but they can be found all over the world today. Dill grows on rich, well-drained soil, in areas with hot summers. Fennel thrives on dry soil, usually in the coastal areas and on the riverbanks. People cultivate dill and fennel because of their flavorful aroma that is especially appreciated in European and Asian cuisine. Despite similarities in the morphology of these two plants, dill and fennel differ in many aspects:

Morphology of Mature Plant

Dill has slender stem and long, finely-divided, delicate leaves. It produces white or yellow flowers (arranged in terminal clusters) and elongated, flat seeds that can be straight or slightly curved. Fennel is much larger plant. It has hollow, erect stem with long, thread-like leaves that are slightly longer and thinner compared to leaves of dill. It produces yellow flowers in large terminal umbels. Fennel seeds are elongated and longitudinally grooved.

Nutritional Value

Dill is excellent source of vitamin C and vitamins of the B group (especially B9). It is also rich source of manganese, iron and calcium. Fennel contains less vitamins and minerals than dill, but it still represents good source of vitamin C and minerals such as manganese, potassium and phosphorus.

Consumption

Leaves and seeds of dill are important part of European and Asian cuisine. Leaves can be used both fresh and dried. They have prominent, parsley or caraway-like aroma and they are used for the preparation of soups, gravies, salad dressings and pickles and as flavoring agent for kefir, yogurt and curds. Seeds of dill are often used for the preparation of dishes made of eggs, fish and potatoes. Fennel has licorice or anise-like flavor. It can be consumed as spice or as root vegetables (it has large bulb). In some areas, fennel leaves are consumed as leafy vegetables (in the form of various salads). Seeds of fennel are mostly consumed as aromatic spice. Fennel is also used in the industry of alcoholic beverages, for the manufacture of absinthe.

Medical Properties

Fennel can be used to stimulate milk production in breastfeeding women, to improve eyesight, reduce spasms and in treatment of infections and hypertension. Dill has diuretic effect and it facilitates digestion.

Other Applications

Dill oil, obtained from stem, leaves and seed, is used in the cosmetic industry for the manufacture of soaps. Sugar coated fennel seeds are used as breath fresheners. Some varieties of fennel are cultivated in ornamental purposes. Powdered fennel can be used as natural flea repellent.

Lifespan

Dill completes its life cycle in one year (annual plant), while fennel can survive more than 2 years in the wild (perennial plant).