Fennel

 

This celery-like winter vegetable has spread from the Mediterranean all across the world as a favourite culinary herb. Fennel's (Foeniculum vulgare) appeal stems from its ability to employ every part of the plant for medicinal and culinary purposes. The pale bulb and green stem, as well as the leaves and seeds, can be utilized. Did you know that you may eat every component of a fennel plant?

Favourite Varieties

   During their conquests, the ancient Romans introduced fennel throughout the world. The ancient Dionysiacs carried thyrsus, which were ceremonial wands fashioned of enormous fennel (Ferula communis) stalks. Fennel was brought to England by the Romans, and monks planted it in their gardens to use in liquors. The intriguing liquorice-like flavour appealed to their spirits, and it became a permanent fixture in monastic gardens.

   Fennel has been utilized in Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine for hundreds of years, so it wasn't simply popular in the West. Fennel was brought to the New World by the Puritans, and it remained popular. Fennel seeds were dubbed " meetin’ seeds" by Puritans who chewed them to keep from getting hungry during long sermons.

   Fennel is a plant that may grow up to 6 feet tall and has long, extremely thin, green leaves that finish in the form of a needle. It has yellow blooms and may be used in all parts of the plant, including the root (bulb), leaves, flowers, and seeds.

Fennel Seeds

Types of Fennel Herb

• Sweet fennel is a common type for both fresh and dried leaf production.
• 'Purpureum' is a sort of bronze leaf. It is used as a decorative item.
• 'Rubrum' is a leaf kind with a bright bronze to crimson colouration. It's also utilized as a decorative item.

Types of Florence Fennel

• 'Rhondo' - Uniform spherical bulbs that mature quickly.
• 'Victoria' - Vigorous variety with better bolt resistance.
• 'Cantino' — A late-blooming cultivar that is ideal for early planting.
• 'Mantavo' — A delayed bolting cultivar with a good yield. 

Culinary Applications

• Bread and cookies are flavoured with seeds.

• Frequently used in soups and curries.

• Raw leaves and stems can be consumed in salads.

• Excellent for aniseed flavouring, especially with fish or chicken.

• The leaves can be steeped in oil or vinegar.

• Flowers may be eaten.

Medicinal Purposes

• Conjunctivitis, painful or inflamed eyes are treated with this medication.

• It possesses antibacterial characteristics.

• It can assist with digestion, wind, colic, intestinal cramps, and menopausal symptoms.

• Breast-feeding mothers can utilize crushed seeds to assist boost milk flow.

• Crushed leaves and stems can be used for painful or swollen breasts caused by breastfeeding.

• Is used as a sedative.

• Can be gargled to relieve sore throats or used as a mouthwash to treat gum disease!

• Colds can be relieved.

• It has the potential to be utilized as a liver tonic.

• It is occasionally used as a complementary therapy for prostate cancer.

• Chew the seeds to make your breath taste better.

• It has been shown to lessen the harmful effects of alcohol on the body.

A simple dish that can be cooked using Fennel

Fennel sliced with Parmesan

Ingredients

1. 1 fennel bulb, fronds reserved
2. 1 1/2 ounces Parmigiano-Reggiano
3. Maldon sea salt is flaky sea salt.
4. pepper, freshly ground
5. Drizzle with extra-virgin olive oil

Instructions

1. Peel or cut the cheese into thick, bite-size shavings with a vegetable peeler or a sharp chef's knife.
2. Fennel should be cut in half lengthwise on a work surface, then sliced into 1/4-inch-thick wedges.
3. Season the fennel with salt, pepper, and olive oil. Fennel fronds and cheese shavings on top.

How to make Fennel tea easily

Ingredients

• a half teaspoon of honey
• 1 tbsp fennel seeds, crushed
• 1 1/2 cups of water
• 1/4 cup crumbled light ginger
• three mint leaves

Instructions

Step 1: A kettle of water should be brought to a boil.

           1 1/2 cups water should be added to a saucepan. Bring the water to a boil.

Step 2: Stir in the fennel seeds.

           Add the crushed fennel seeds and ginger now. Allow the water to simmer on medium heat until it is reduced to one cup.

Step 3: Strain the tea through a fine-mesh strainer.

          After that, turn off the heat and drain it into a cup. Mix in the honey well.

Step 4: Your fennel tea is now ready to drink.

          Your fennel tea is now ready for consumption. Garnish with mint leaves if desired. While the drink is still warm, enjoy it.

Magical Properties of Fennel

1. Protection

   Fennel placed at entrances or windows will protect the practitioner from evil or magic, whether from malignant spirits or interfering people. It is most recognized for its ability to ward off the spirits of the dead. Grow it outside the house to defend it from negativity and any outside energy damage. It can also safeguard the area from any harmful spells performed against the practitioner.

2. Addictions

   Fennel may be used in any charm that aims to free oneself of vices. These include, but are not limited to, overcoming addictions, quitting harmful behaviours, and obtaining the strength to better oneself. Fennel was traditionally used to alleviate hunger pains in persons who were fasting, making it a perfect complement to any spell dealing with cravings.

3. Memory and communication

   Fennel, as an Air element, is associated with communication, divination, and intellect. Chewing fennel before a big meeting or speech can boost your confidence and eloquence. The aroma of fennel helps to improve memory and focus the mind. That is why fennel tea has historically been administered to stroke sufferers.