What is the Difference Between Dill and Fennel

The main difference between dill and fennel is that fennel leaves are longer and have a strong licorice flavor than dill leaves.

Dill and fennel are two herbs that belong to the family Apiaceae. Dill seeds are used as spices, and leaves are used as herbs. Fennel plants, on the other hand, are entirely edible. This means that all parts of the plant, including the bulb, stalk, leaves, fruits, and flowers, have culinary uses.

Key Areas Covered

1. What is Dill  
     – Definition, Features 
2. What is Fennel
     – Definition, Features 
3. Similarities Between Dill and Fennel
     – Outline of Common Features
4. Difference Between Dill and Fennel
     – Comparison of Key Differences

Key Terms

Herbs, Dill, Fennel

What is Dill

Dill is an annual herb that belongs to the celery family Apiaceae. Dill leaves feathery green are used as herbs, and dill seeds, which are flat and oval, are commonly used as spices. Leaves taste grassy with a bit of licorice flavor, while seeds mildly taste like caraway.

Dill plants bloom in summer, but we can also grow them in greenhouses throughout the year. Therefore, fresh dill is available in most grocery stores. Dill leaves are also available in dried form, but they are not as flavourful as fresh leaves.

Talking about the usage, we can use dill as a garnish in salads like potato salads, in cold soups featuring yogurt, cucumbers, etc., with cream cheese, sour cream, and spreads. Home cooks also use dill to flavor ranch dressing. In addition, dill pairs well with various types of seafood. A small amount of dill leaves can add a lot of flavor to a dish. Moreover, leaves tend to lose their flavor if we cook them long, so it’s better to add them at the last minute.

What is Fennel

Fennel is a hardy, perennial herb that belongs to the Apiaceae family. The entire fennel plant is edible: the bulb, leaves, and fruits. Fennel is native to the Mediterranean region. Furthermore, it has a round white bulb at the base and stalks covered with feathery, fern-like leaves. However, the fennel leaves are very similar to dill leaves. We can slice the bulb and use it in dishes like salads. Fennel leaves, on the other hand, can be used as herbs.

Moreover, both fennel leaves and stalks are edible. Leaves have a strong aniseed flavor. You can wash and chop the leaves or use them whole. When you wrap freshly cut fennel in damp kitchen paper and store it in the fridge, you can keep them for up to three days. You can use fennel for salads and to make fennel pesto. Also, you can use fennel to cook fish; it goes well with fish.

Similarities Between Dill and Fennel

• Dill and fennel are two herbs that belong to the family Apiaceae.
• Also, the plants of both plants are similar in appearance as they are feathery.
• Leaves can be used for cooking and garnishing.

Difference Between Dill and Fennel

Definition

Dill is an annual herb that belongs to the celery family Apiaceae, while fennel is a hardy, perennial herb that belongs to the Apiaceae family.

Leaves

Fennel leaves are longer and have a strong licorice flavor than dill leaves.

Uses

Moreover, dill seeds are used as spices, and leaves are used as herbs. However, all parts of the fennel plant, including the bulb, stalk, leaves, fruits, and flowers, have culinary uses.

Conclusion

In summary, both dill and fennel leaves are used for cooking and garnishing. However, the main difference between dill and fennel is that fennel leaves are longer and have a strong licorice flavor than dill leaves.

Reference:

1. Christensen, Emma. “Top 5 Ways to Use Fennel Stalks & Fronds.” Kitchn, Apartment Therapy, LLC., 2 May 2019.
2. Watson, Molly. “Use Dill as Both an Herb and a Spice.” The Spruce Eats, The Spruce Eats, 19 July 2021.

Image Courtesy:

1. “Dill-green-herbs-fresh-aromatic” (CC0) via Pixabay
2. “Fennel-vegetables-food-vitamins” (CC0) via Pixabay

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