Panch phoron has notes of licorice-like sweetness from fennel combined with the spice and warmth of mustard seeds, earthy tones of cumin seeds, pleasant pungent notes from nigella and the bittersweet flavor of fenugreek. It's a vivid, striking flavor and it adds a magical quality to food. Panch phoron is often used as a pickling spice and it is what gives Indian pickles their marvelous flavor.