Ancient Indians used fennel as a condiment and culinary spice. In Greece, it was a symbol of success. In Rome, the young fennel shoots were used as food. Pliny considered it good for improved vision. Culpeper recommends it as an antidote for poison. The dried ripe fruit of aromatic, herbaceous plant, fennel grows well in most mild climates. In India, it thrives in the sunny, limey, well-drained loams of Gujarat, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh.

The pleasingly warm, sweet smell and the clean appearance are clear indications of how well Indian fennel retains its exclusive quality even after drying. Well-known as 'Saunf' Indian fennel is used in food, medicine, liquor and perfume. India exports substantial quantities of fennel to USA, Singapore, UK, UAE, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Saudi Arabia and Japan in a variety of forms including seed, powder and volatile oils