Funnel seed generally refers to the seeds of the fennel plant (Foeniculum vulgare), a perennial herb in the carrot family. These seeds are small, oval, and usually around 4-10 mm long. They have a distinctive grooved texture and are slightly curved, resembling tiny cumin seeds but slightly larger. Funnel seeds are green to yellowish-brown in colour, turning darker as they age.
Key Characteristics of Funnel Seeds:
Shape: Oval, elongated, and slightly curved.
Texture: Grooved with visible ridges.
Colour: Green when fresh; they turn yellowish-brown or greyish-brown as they dry.
Aroma and Flavour: They have a sweet, warm aroma similar to anise or licoricey, with a mildly sweet, earthy taste.
Specification:
Uses:
Fennel seeds have a sweet, licorice-like flavor and are used in both savory and sweet dishes. They are used in Indian, Mediterranean, and Middle Eastern cuisines to flavor curries, bread, salads, and desserts. Also known for their potential digestive health benefits.
Benefits:
Fennel seeds are known for their digestive properties and may help alleviate bloating, gas, and indigestion.
Cultivate Seasons for India:
Fennel is predominantly cultivated during the rabi season in India, with sowing typically done in October-November and harvesting in February-March.
Our Services
Reliable Sourcing:
Build strong partnerships with local farmers and suppliers to secure a consistent supply of high-quality fennel seeds. Prioritize sourcing from regions renowned for their superior fennel production, such as Gujarat and Rajasthan. Collaborating directly with farmers who practice sustainable and traditional farming methods ensures that the seeds are non-GMO, free from synthetic chemicals, and grown in ideal soil and climate conditions.
Premium Quality Assurance:
Ensure that the fennel seeds meet international quality standards by adhering to strict quality control measures throughout the sourcing process. Obtain certifications like ISO, HACCP, FSSAI, and USDA Organic, and seek organic certification where applicable. These certifications confirm that the seeds are free from contaminants, pesticide residues, and impurities, while retaining their natural flavor, aroma, and nutritional properties.
The cleaning and sorting process:
for fennel seeds involves several stages to ensure premium quality. First, seeds undergo pre-cleaning to remove large debris like stones, dirt, and sticks using mechanical separators and air blowers. Grading follows, separating seeds by size and removing broken or undersized seeds, while de-stoning machines eliminate heavier impurities. Magnetic separation extracts metal particles, and an aspirator air cleaner removes light impurities such as dust. A gravity separator ensures only mature, well-filled seeds are retained. Color sorting, often using optical sorters, removes discolored or damaged seeds for uniformity, with manual sorting as a final check. After confirming appropriate moisture levels (below 8-10%) to prevent mold, seeds are packaged in airtight, moisture-proof containers to preserve their freshness and quality.
Packaging, Shipping & Delivery
Packaging:
Bags and Pouches:
For Funnel seed and powders, high-quality food-grade materials such as laminated multi-layer pouches (made of materials like PET, PE, BOPP, and Aluminum foil) are used. These bags are moisture-proof and help retain the freshness, flavor, and aroma of the spices. Zip-lock pouches, stand-up pouches, and resealable bags are also popular for smaller quantities.
Polypropylene (PP) Woven Bags:
These are the most common types of bags used for packaging large quantities (25 kg and 40 kg) of Funnel seeds or powder. They are made of woven polypropylene material, which is strong, lightweight, and durable, providing excellent resistance to tearing and damage during handling and transport.
Laminated Bags:
For additional protection against moisture and humidity, PP woven bags can be laminated with a layer of plastic film. This lamination creates a barrier against moisture, ensuring the spices stay dry and fresh during transportation and storage.
Multi-Wall Paper Bags:
These bags consist of several layers of kraft paper, which provide strength and are often lined with a plastic or polyethylene layer to offer protection against moisture and humidity. They are environmentally friendly and widely used in many markets for exporting food products.
Vacuum-Sealed Packaging:
This type of packaging removes air from the package before sealing, which helps prevent oxidation and moisture build-up, preserving the quality and extending the shelf life of the spices.
Paper or Carton Boxes:
After the packaging, the smaller bags or pouches are placed in corrugated cardboard cartons or paper boxes. These cartons are sturdy, stackable, and protect the contents from physical damage during handling and transportation.
Palletization and Wrapping:
Cartons or sacks are often stacked on wooden or plastic pallets and wrapped with stretch film or shrink wrap. This provides stability, reduces the risk of damage during transport, and makes handling more efficient.
Export Documentation:
Handle all necessary export documentation, including phytosanitary certificates, certificates of origin, and any specific certifications required by the importing country.
Efficient Shipping:
Partner with reliable freight forwarders and logistics companies to ensure timely and safe delivery of goods. Offer multiple shipping options (air, sea, or land) based on customer preferences.