Variyali Sharbat is a beverage, especially for hot & humid climatic conditions. For instance, countries like India. We experience scorching heat for an extended period of more than four months.


Since the heat is intense, summer drinks are always in high demand. Variyali sharbat is one of them.

Hence, let’s see what it is and how it’s made.

What is Variyali Sharbat

There are two words. First is variyali (વરિયાળી), which is a Gujarati term for fennel seeds. On the other hand, it’s सौंफ in Hindi. Second, fennel seeds are heavily used as a mouth freshener because of their sweet flavour profile.

The other word is sharbat (शरबत). Again it is a Hindi word that means a beverage or drink. Sharbat is commonly used for almost all types of beverages here in India.

Now that we know the word meaning of variyali sharbat, let’s dig up some more info.

Benefits of Fennel Seeds aka Variyali aka Saunf

Fennel seeds benefits aren’t limited to the ones mentioned below. This miraculous herb contains both medicinal as well as culinary properties. I have pointed a few of them for you.

  • Low in calories & packed with essential nutrients.
  • Provides depth & flavour to your recipes.
  • It acts as a natural coolant in the summer season.
  • It suppresses food cravings significantly if consumed before eating.
  • A frequent mouth freshener to curb bad breathe

Flavour Profile of Fennel Seeds

Fennel seeds are fresh green in texture but turn greyish brown as they age. It has a light, sweet, anise-like taste. To put it differently, they are warm & sweet. On the other hand, they are significantly used to add smooth fragrance to various recipes.

The size & shape of the fennel seed is much like cumin. Besides, fennel seeds are slightly large in size & green in colour, along with vertical ridges.

There’s an interesting fact I want to share here. Fennel is one of the ingredients in five essential spice powders. Here in India, we refer to it as Panch Phoran.

More summer drinks:
Watermelon juice with rose syrup is an ultimately refreshing cool summer drink. Adding a pinch of rock salt can take the taste to next level.