| Abstract: | Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare) is the major spice/condimental crop of Haryana, generally used in India for preparing pickles and in vegetable cooking. Flowers were tagged at anthesis, fennel seeds (local variety) were collected at 1-week intervals after 40 days from anthesis for studying biochemical constituents. Moisture and protein contents decreased significantly with the advancement of seed development. Oil content ranged from 68 to 135·7 g kg?1 (dry weight basis), which increased with seed development. The oil content was greater in mature seeds. The presence of phytate (11·35–13·10 mg g?1) was also observed, which affects the availability of Zn and Fe. Fennel seeds were found to be a rich source of micro- and macroelements. Neutral detergent fibre, acid detergent fibre, cellulose and lignin contents increased significantly with the advancement of seed development. Oleic and linoleic fatty acids were found to be major fatty acids and variable proportions of different fatty acids were observed. |
