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Export Grade
- FSSAI Certified
- ISO 22000
- Organic Available
- Non-GMO
Whole, Powder & Essential Oil
Fennel Seeds Exporter India — Whole, Powder & Essential Oil
Foeniculum vulgare Mill. | Saunf | Premium Quality
UnitedSpices is a trusted fennel seeds exporter in India, supplying whole Saunf seeds, fine powder and steam-distilled essential oil of Foeniculum vulgare from the prime growing belt of Saurashtra, Gujarat and Rajasthan — India accounts for over 60% of the world’s fennel supply. From the sweet, anise-like seeds used in curry powders and mukhwas blends to trans-anethole-rich essential oil for flavour and pharma industries, our fennel is machine cleaned, colour sorted and tested to meet strict international quality standards, the same estate-to-shipment protocols we apply across our range, including our fenugreek seeds, cumin seeds and quality standards.
Forms AvailableWhole, Powder & Oil
Aroma ProfileSweet, Anise-like
MoistureMax 9%
Volatile Oil2.0–3.5% (Anethole-rich)
Min. Order Qty250 kg
Export MarketsUSA, EU, UAE, UK, Canada
Available Forms
- Machine Cleaned & Sorted
- Worldwide Export
- Food, Pharma & Flavour Grade
- Dedicated Support
About Our Fennel Seeds
Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare) is a flowering plant in the carrot family, cultivated for millennia across India, the Mediterranean and the Middle East for both culinary and medicinal use. Known as Saunf in Hindi, fennel seeds are oblong, greenish-grey to yellowish-green, and carry a distinctly sweet, warm, anise-like flavour derived from their high concentration of trans-anethole — a naturally occurring aromatic compound that also gives anise and star anise their characteristic scent.
India produces over 60% of the world’s fennel supply, with Saurashtra in Gujarat (particularly the districts of Rajkot, Jamnagar and Gondal) and parts of Rajasthan being the principal growing regions. At UnitedSpices, we source directly from farmer networks in these prime regions, cleaning and grading each lot in our ISO 22000-certified facility before export, the same estate-to-shipment standards that govern our fenugreek seeds and cumin seeds exports.
Why Choose Our Fennel Seeds?
- Sourced from Saurashtra, Gujarat — the world’s premier fennel-growing region
- Available in three forms: whole seeds, powder and steam-distilled essential oil
- High volatile oil content (2.0–3.5%) verified by GC analysis per batch
- Machine cleaned, colour-sorted for vibrant green appearance and uniform size
- No artificial colours, coatings or fumigants added
- Manufactured in ISO 22000 and GMP-certified facility
- Full pesticide residue and heavy metal testing per batch
- Organic NPOP & NOP certified lots available on request
Product Identity
| Product Name | Fennel Seeds (Saunf) |
|---|---|
| Botanical Name | Foeniculum vulgare Mill. |
| Family | Apiaceae (Umbelliferae) |
| Origin | Saurashtra (Gujarat) & Rajasthan, India |
| Colour | Greenish-grey to bright green |
| Flavour | Sweet, warm, anise-like |
| Aroma | Sweet, clean, slightly herbaceous |
| Key Compound | trans-Anethole (75–90% of volatile oil) |
| HS Code | 0909 61 00 (Fennel Seeds) |
Key Aromatic & Bioactive Compounds
trans-Anethole
Sweet anise character, 75–90%
Fenchone
Bitter, camphor-like note
Estragole
Sweet, herbaceous nuance
Flavonoids
Quercetin, kaempferol
Fixed Oil
Petroselinic acid-rich, 12–18%
Rutin & Rosmarinic Acid
Anti-inflammatory polyphenols
We supply fennel seeds in multiple grades and forms to serve the complete spectrum of food, flavour and pharmaceutical applications. The premium Saurashtra (Gujarat) variety commands the highest market value globally for its deep green colour and bold volatile oil content. Rajasthan variety, slightly lighter in colour, is equally valued for general food use. Our essential oil is steam-distilled under controlled conditions and tested to EU and US Pharmacopoeia standards for trans-anethole content and purity.
| Grade / Form | Origin / Description | Key Parameters | Primary Application | MOQ |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Saurashtra Premium (S1) | Gujarat — Rajkot, Jamnagar, Gondal districts. Bold green colour, large seed size. | Purity 99%+, Moisture <9%, Volatile oil 2.5–3.5% | Premium retail, Middle East export, confectionery | 250 kg |
| Rajasthan Standard (S2) | Rajasthan origin. Slightly lighter colour, consistent quality, competitive pricing. | Purity 98%+, Moisture <9%, Volatile oil 2.0–2.8% | Spice blends, curry powder manufacturing, institutional | 500 kg |
| Organic Certified | NPOP & NOP certified organic fennel from Rajasthan, fully traceable. | Same as S1/S2 grades; organic certification included | Organic food brands, EU/US organic retail, herbal tea | 250 kg |
| Fennel Powder | Freshly milled from cleaned whole seeds. Fine, free-flowing, aroma retained. | Mesh 40/60/80 (customisable), Moisture <8% | Curry powder, spice blends, meat seasoning, bakery | 250 kg |
| Essential Oil (Steam-Distilled) | Steam-distilled from freshly harvested Saurashtra seeds. Clear to pale yellow. | trans-Anethole min 75%, Fenchone 5–15% | Food flavouring, pharmaceuticals, aromatherapy, liqueurs | 1 kg |
| Fancy / Mouth Freshener Grade | Extra-large seeds, vibrant colour, sometimes sugar-coated for the after-dinner market. | Seed length 6–8 mm, bold green, uniform | After-dinner digestives, mukhwas blends, hospitality | 250 kg |
Why trans-Anethole Content Defines Fennel’s Aromatic Value
Fennel’s signature sweet, anise-like aroma comes from trans-anethole, the dominant compound in its volatile oil, alongside fenchone which contributes a balancing bitter, camphor-like note. Our essential oil is GC-MS tested to guarantee consistent trans-anethole content in compliance with European and US Pharmacopoeia standards.
75–90%
trans-Anethole in Volatile Oil
Physical Parameters (Whole Seeds)
| Seed Shape | Oblong, ribbed, elongated |
|---|---|
| Seed Length | 4–8 mm (grade-dependent) |
| Colour | Greenish-grey to bright green |
| Moisture Content | Max 9% |
| Purity | Min 98–99% (grade-dependent) |
| Foreign Matter | Max 1.0% |
Chemical Composition
| Volatile Oil Content | 2.0–3.5% (GC tested) |
|---|---|
| trans-Anethole | 75–90% of volatile oil |
| Fenchone | 5–15% of volatile oil |
| Fixed Oil (Fat) | 12–18% |
| Protein | 15–18% |
| Total Ash | Max 10.0% |
Essential Oil Parameters
| Appearance | Clear, colourless to pale yellow |
|---|---|
| Specific Gravity (20°C) | 0.953–0.977 |
| Refractive Index (20°C) | 1.528–1.538 |
| trans-Anethole | Min 75% (EU Ph. standard) |
| Fenchone | Max 25% (EU Ph. standard) |
| Estragole | Max <5% (EU regulation) |
Microbiological Parameters
| Total Plate Count | < 1,00,000 CFU/g |
|---|---|
| Yeast & Mould | < 1,000 CFU/g |
| E. coli | Absent / 10g |
| Salmonella | Absent / 25g |
| Staphylococcus aureus | Absent / 25g |
| Aflatoxin | < 10 ppb (EU standard) |
Safety & Contaminants
| Heavy Metals (Pb) | < 1.0 ppm |
|---|---|
| Heavy Metals (Cd) | < 0.2 ppm |
| Heavy Metals (As) | < 1.0 ppm |
| Pesticide Residues | EU & US MRL compliant |
| Allergen Declaration | No major allergens declared |
| GMO Status | Non-GMO verified |
Shelf Life & Storage
| Shelf Life (Whole Seeds) | 24 months from harvest |
|---|---|
| Shelf Life (Powder) | 12 months from milling |
| Shelf Life (Essential Oil) | 24 months from distillation |
| Storage Temperature | Cool, dry, below 25°C |
| Relative Humidity | Max 65% RH |
| Special Note | Store whole seeds airtight; volatile oil dissipates if exposed |
Spice Blends & Curry Powders
Fennel seeds are a key ingredient in Indian curry powder, sambar powder, garam masala, Panch Phoron and various regional masala blends, adding a characteristic sweetness that balances chilli heat and cumin’s earthiness.
Confectionery & Mouth Fresheners
Premium large-seeded fennel (Fancy grade) is the backbone of the mukhwas (Indian mouth freshener) industry — consumed plain, sugar-coated, or blended with sesame, coriander and coconut, and used in liquorice confections worldwide.
Herbal Teas & Wellness Drinks
Whole and crushed fennel seeds are a popular herbal tea ingredient, valued for digestive wellness, bloating relief and calming properties, and used in functional tea blends and wellness shot formulations.
Beverages & Liqueurs
Fennel essential oil and seeds are key flavouring ingredients in anise-flavoured liqueurs (Sambuca, Pastis, Arak, Ouzo), herbal spirits, bitters and non-alcoholic botanical drinks.
Bakery & Meat Processing
Fennel powder and seeds are widely used in Italian sausage, fennel-spiced bread, crackers and artisanal cheeses, and as a traditional flavouring in pork, fish and seafood preparations.
Pharmaceuticals & Oral Care
Fennel essential oil (GRAS-listed) is used in toothpaste, mouthwash, breath fresheners and digestive pharmaceutical formulations, with anethole’s carminative properties valued in Ayurvedic and herbal medicine.
PP / HDPE Bags
25 kg, 50 kg bags with inner liner — standard bulk export format for whole seeds and powder.
Multi-Layer Foil Bags
1–5 kg vacuum-sealed foil bags that preserve volatile oil and aroma integrity for premium buyers.
Private Label
Custom jars, tins and stand-up pouches, 50g–1kg, for retail markets worldwide.
Essential Oil – Aluminium
1 kg, 5 kg and 25 kg food-grade aluminium containers for essential oil export.
Port of Loading
Chennai / Mundra / JNPT Mumbai
Incoterms
FOB, CIF, CFR, EXW available
Lead Time
7–14 business days
Export Documentation Available
- Certificate of Origin
- Lab Analysis Report
- Certificate of Analysis
- GC Analysis Report (Essential Oil)
- Phytosanitary Certificate
- MSDS Sheet
- Organic Certificate (on request)
- Halal & Kosher (on request)
Our Quality Commitment
The quality of fennel seeds is defined by three visual and chemical parameters: colour vibrancy (green is premium), volatile oil content (verified by GC analysis), and seed size uniformity. At UnitedSpices, we source exclusively from established growing networks in Saurashtra (Gujarat) and Rajasthan, where seeds are harvested at peak maturity to capture the full volatile oil profile. Every incoming lot undergoes mandatory testing for moisture, purity, volatile oil content and foreign matter before entering our processing line.
Our multi-stage cleaning process employs aspirators, vibratory graders, gravity separators and optical colour-sorting machines — achieving seed purity above 99% and a vibrant, uniform green appearance that meets the demanding visual standards of Middle Eastern and European retail markets. For essential oil production, seeds are steam-distilled within days of cleaning to preserve maximum trans-anethole concentration, with every batch analysed by GC-MS in compliance with European Pharmacopoeia and ISO 3045 standards for fennel oil.
- Multi-stage cleaning: aspiration, vibration, gravity, optical colour sorting
- Volatile oil content verified by GC analysis per seed batch
- GC-MS analysis of essential oil to EU Pharmacopoeia & ISO 3045 standards
- Pesticide residue screening to EU & US MRL standards per shipment
- Aflatoxin and heavy metal testing every batch
- ISO 22000:2018-compliant food-grade processing and packaging
- Batch-specific Certificate of Analysis with every export shipment
- Third-party lab verification and dual CoA supported on request
FSSAI Certified
Food Safety & Standards Authority of India — compliant processing facility.
ISO 22000:2018
Food Safety Management System certified — international quality standard.
Organic Certified
NPOP & NOP organic certification available for designated lots.
Halal & Kosher Certified
Available upon request for Middle East, Southeast Asia and kosher markets.
Non-GMO Verified
All seed lots verified non-GMO with full batch-level traceability.
Spices Board India
Registered with the Spices Board of India — compliant and traceable export.
Fennel Seeds Export — Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions from buyers sourcing fennel seeds, powder and essential oil from India.
What are fennel seeds and what forms do you supply?
Fennel seeds (Saunf), the seeds of Foeniculum vulgare, are prized for their sweet, anise-like flavour derived from trans-anethole. We supply fennel in three commercial forms: whole seeds for culinary and mukhwas use, fine powder for food manufacturing, and steam-distilled essential oil for flavour, pharmaceutical and aromatherapy applications.
What is the difference between Saurashtra Premium and Rajasthan Standard grades?
Saurashtra Premium (S1), grown in Gujarat's Rajkot, Jamnagar and Gondal districts, has a bolder green colour, larger seed size and higher volatile oil content (2.5-3.5%), commanding the highest market value. Rajasthan Standard (S2) is slightly lighter in colour with a competitive 2.0-2.8% volatile oil content, ideal for bulk food processing and spice blend manufacturing.
What is trans-anethole and why does it matter?
trans-Anethole is the dominant aromatic compound in fennel's volatile oil, responsible for its characteristic sweet, anise-like flavour. It typically makes up 75-90% of the oil and is the key parameter buyers use to judge fennel oil quality for food flavouring, pharmaceutical and aromatherapy applications. Our essential oil is GC-MS tested to guarantee a minimum of 75% trans-anethole, in line with European and US Pharmacopoeia standards.
Is your fennel essential oil suitable for food and pharmaceutical use?
Yes. Our fennel essential oil is steam-distilled from freshly harvested Saurashtra seeds and tested by GC-MS for compliance with European Pharmacopoeia and ISO 3045 standards. It is GRAS-listed for food flavouring and widely used in oral care, digestive pharmaceutical formulations and aromatherapy products.
What is the minimum order quantity (MOQ) for fennel export?
MOQ varies by form: 250 kg for whole seeds and powder, 500 kg for Rajasthan Standard grade, and just 1 kg for essential oil samples (5 kg minimum for custom-processed oil). Organic-certified lots also carry a 250 kg minimum. Smaller sample quantities are available on request.
How can I get a price quote for bulk fennel seeds, powder or essential oil?
Contact our export team via the Request a Quote form, WhatsApp or phone with your required form (whole, powder or essential oil), grade, quantity and destination port. We typically respond within 24 hours.
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