Fennel seeds are the small, oval-shaped seeds of the fennel plant, which is a perennial herb in the Apiaceae family. The plant is native to the Mediterranean region, but it is now cultivated in many parts of the world, including Europe, Asia, and the Americas. The seeds have a sweet, anise-like flavor and aroma, and they have been used for both culinary and medicinal purposes for thousands of years.

The history of fennel seeds can be traced back to ancient times. The ancient Greeks and Romans used the seeds to flavor food and as a medicinal herb. They believed that fennel could improve eyesight and digestion and could even ward off evil spirits. In Greek mythology, the god Prometheus used fennel to steal fire from the gods and give it to mankind.

In the Middle Ages, fennel seeds were used in monasteries to make a digestive liqueur called "aqua mirabilis," which was believed to have medicinal properties. They were also used to flavor food and to make breath fresheners.

Fennel seeds are still popular today, particularly in Mediterranean and Indian cuisines. They are used to flavor a wide range of dishes, from savory meat dishes to sweet desserts. In Italy, fennel seeds are often used to flavor sausage, and in India, they are a common ingredient in curries and other traditional dishes.

In Mediterranean cuisine, fennel seeds are used to flavor fish, lamb and pork dishes, as well as to make a traditional liqueur called "Finocchietto" which is made from fennel seeds and alcohol.

Fennel seeds are also used in Scandinavian cuisine to flavor breads and meat dishes.

Fennel seeds have medicinal properties and are used to relieve indigestion and gas, to stimulate lactation in nursing mothers, and to increase milk flow. They have been traditionally used to help with digestion and relieve bloating. They also have anti-inflammatory properties, which make them useful for treating conditions such as osteoarthritis and asthma.

Here are some common dishes that go well with fennel seeds:

1. Indian cuisine: Fennel seeds are a common ingredient in Indian cuisine, particularly in dishes from the southern regions of India. They are often used in curries, chutneys, and spice blends such as garam masala.

2. Meat dishes: Fennel seeds pair well with a variety of meats, including pork, beef, and poultry. They can be used to season a roast, or added to a marinade for grilled meats. They are also a common ingredient in sausage making.

3. Fish and seafood: Fennel seeds pair well with fish and seafood, particularly oily fish such as salmon and mackerel. They can be used to season fish dishes, or added to a marinade for grilled seafood.

4. Vegetable dishes: Fennel seeds can be used to add flavor to a variety of vegetable dishes, including roasted vegetables, sautés, and stews.

5. Salads: Fennel seeds can be used to add flavor to salads. They are particularly good with leafy green salads such as rocket or arugula.

6. Breads and crackers: Fennel seeds can be used to add flavor to breads and crackers, particularly when combined with other spices.