Caraway vs Fennel: 5 Key Differences

While the plants may look strikingly similar to one another and their flavors also have some similarities, there are indeed many differences between caraway vs fennel. But how can you learn how to tell these two plants apart, and what are they typically used for, given all of the things that they have in common with one another? 

In this article, we will compare and contrast caraway with fennel so that you can fully understand the differences between these two plants. We will go over what they look like physically as well as what they are typically used for, both in a culinary capacity and beyond. Let’s get started and talk all about fennel and caraway now! 

Comparing Caraway vs Fennel

Key Differences Between Caraway vs Fennel

There are a number of key differences between caraway and fennel. For example, caraway and fennel belong to different plant genuses, despite being members of the same family. Fennel plants grow much taller than caraway plants. Caraway is a popular spice in rye bread, while fennel is used to make absinthe. Finally, fennel is native to the Mediterranean, while caraway is native to a few different locations.

Let’s go over these differences in more detail now.

Caraway vs Fennel: Classification

Caraway and fennel are both members of the Apiaceae family, similarly to dill and wild carrot, but they both belong to very different from each other and are therefore classified differently. For example, caraway is a member of the Carum genus, while fennel is a member of the Foeniculum genus. This gives them many similarities in terms of their appearances, but this also gives you ways to tell them apart. 

Caraway vs Fennel: Description

It can be extremely difficult to tell caraway and fennel plants apart from each other, given their leaf structures and unique umbel flowers. However, there are a few things you can use to tell them apart. For example, fennel plants grow much taller than caraway plants, nearly 8 feet on average compared to the 4 foot tall average of caraway. In addition, fennel typically produces yellow flowers, while caraway produces pink or white flowers.

One of the primary differences between caraway and fennel has to do with their roots or bulbs. The bulb of the fennel plant is white and bulbous, while caraway roots are beige and more similar to parsnips. Both of these plants have intricate leaves and umbel flowers, making it difficult to tell them apart otherwise. However, fennel plants have a very distinct liquorice smell, while caraway plants have a more subtle scent.

Caraway vs Fennel: Uses

Caraway and fennel are used culinarily in a variety of ways, as both of these plants are edible from their leaves to their roots. However, caraway is popularly used as a spice, while fennel bulbs are frequently consumed as a vegetable. In addition, caraway is integral to rye bread production, while fennel is necessary for absinthe production. Both fennel and caraway have a number of medicinal benefits, though caraway essential oil is more popular than fennel overall.

The liquorice qualities of both caraway and fennel is unique and potent, though this flavor is more potent in caraway compared to fennel. You can use both of these plants for digestive issues, as well as a number of antioxidant-boosting means. If you enjoy the taste of caraway and fennel, consuming them for medicinal purposes should be much easier for you!

Caraway vs Fennel: Origin and How to Grow

You can grow caraway and fennel in numerous backyard gardens, as they both enjoy mild to chilly climates and full sun. However, caraway prefers a warmer climate compared to fennel overall, especially if you want your caraway to be a biennial plant rather than an annual one. In terms of where they originated, fennel is native to the Mediterranean, while caraway is native to Europe, Africa, and Asia, depending on the variety.

Caraway vs Fennel: Annual or Perennial

One of the main differences between caraway and fennel is the way in which they grow. While both of these plants thrive in nutritious soil and well drained locations, caraway is typically an annual plant, while fennel is a perennial plant. However, if you happen to live in a more mild location, caraway can be planted as a biennial. Fennel comes back after the first year if you leave the large bulb in the soil, but you may not want to do this, given just how tasty they are!

The photo featured at the top of this post is © iStock.com/Iker Zabaleta

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