The Pleasing Fennel

The countries which have Mediterranean climate or a climate similar to it see a huge growth of fennel. Fennel grows to a height of a meter or more and has got huge leaves which make it attractive. Yellow flower umbels grow in late summers, this change into seeds that ripen during the fall.

Growing a fennel is easy, the seeds to not take time to germinate. It adds to the beauty of the garden with its attractive fronds. Fennel cannot be placed beside any plant for it is not accepted by many plants. Planting a fennel next to dill is not suggested foe they are related to each other. There is a chance of cross pollination which may affect its seed’s flavor.

Fennels are host to swallowtail butterfly caterpillars which are beautiful and large, making the garden look lovely. The green caterpillars have got transversal stripes black in color but it varies with every species of swallowtail.

The leaves and the stalks can be used for cooking but they lose their flavor if dried. Seeds are useful for medicinal purpose and for teas. They are to be harvested at the summer end by keeping a paper bag above the seed head.

Dried seeds are used in apple pie, teas, and cookies and with bread. Tea made of fennel seeds have lovely flavor and is taken to reduce weight and also for digestion. The tea also used for other medicinal purposes – it provides relief to tired eyes. The nursing mothers are given water made of fennel seeds and leaves, and barley so that the milk yield increases. It not only helps one lose weight but also gives courage and stamina.

During the late summers, a different variety of fennel named Foeniculum vulgare.var.dulce i.e. Florence or Finocchio Fennel forms a huge swollen bulb at the foot of the stem. Though anise and fennel are related to each other but this swollen bulb is not anise.

Pimpinella anisum is better known as anise. It is grown mainly for its seeds that have the flavor of liquorices.

One has to be correct with timing while planting a Florence fennel. Bulb once formed, is to be harvested as soon as possible or otherwise the plant will shrink within a night. The fennel bulb tastes great with any dish of fish or can be put in salads.

Bronze fennel has huge copper fronds that make them very attractive. It grows well in drained soil. Its leaves are edible and also used for garnishing.