Indian fennel seeds (Foeniculum vulgare), internationally renowned for their sweet licorice aroma and high trans-anethole oil concentration, are a staple export commodity serving confectionery, herbal tea blending, meat seasoning, and pharmaceutical extraction industries worldwide. Commercial global trade distinguishes between two celebrated Indian varieties: Gujarat Bold Green Fennel (Variyali) and Lucknowi Sweet Small Fennel.
1. Varietal Breakdown & Specification Parameters
| Specification Parameter | Gujarat Bold Green (Sortex Clean) | Lucknowi Sweet Small Grade |
|---|---|---|
| Seed Size & Shape | Large, robust, elongated ridges (6mm – 8mm) | Small, slender, highly concentrated kernel (3mm – 5mm) |
| Color Profile | Bright vibrant green to light pistachio green | Deep olive green with delicate golden hues |
| Flavor & Aroma | Bold, earthy, aromatic, anise-forward | Naturally intense sweet, pleasant candy-like aftertaste |
| Purity % | 99.0% to 99.5% Sortex Clean | 99.0% Min. |
| Volatile Essential Oil | 1.5% to 2.2% Min. (rich in anethole & fenchone) | 1.8% to 2.5% Min. |
| Primary Global Uses | Bakery, sausage seasoning, curry powder, herbal infusions | High-end mouth fresheners, luxury tea blends, confectionery |
2. Sortex Optical Cleaning & Physical Quality Control
Export-grade fennel seeds must be free of stem fibers, dust, and discolored grey seeds. SpiceNest utilizes multi-stage air classifiers and bichromatic Sortex optical sorting systems to deliver uniform green coloration and zero stones or foreign seeds.
- Moisture Content: 8.0% to 9.0% Max. to preserve volatile aroma throughout sea shipping.
- Total Ash: 8.0% Max. | Acid Insoluble Ash: 1.0% Max.
- Heavy Metals & Pesticides: Rigorously monitored against US FDA and EU Regulation (EC) No 396/2005.
3. Container Capacity & Packaging Protocols
- 20-foot Container (FCL): Approx. 11.5 to 12.5 Metric Tons.
- 40-foot Container (FCL): Approx. 24.0 to 25.5 Metric Tons.
- Standard Packaging: 25 kg / 50 kg BOPP or woven polypropylene bags with inner food-grade liner bags.
4. Commercial Ordering & Samples
SpiceNest ships containerized fennel seed consignments directly from Mundra Port to major ports worldwide on FOB, CIF, or CFR Incoterms 2020.
Institutional Sample Policy
Certified pre-shipment evaluation samples complete with laboratory analysis sheets are available to accredited food importers and procurement teams.
Product Samples Available on Request — Contact Commercial Export Desk
