Widely acclaimed since ancient times for its weight loss and anti-aging effects, along with many additional medical and cosmetic capabilities, fennel is a tall perennial native to the Mediterranean. Tal,l standing with lacy or almosfeathery-looking leaves and small yellow flowers, fennel or Foeniculum vulgare, is an unusually attractive herb. Its sharp anise or licorice-like flavor has earned it high merits for delivering unique flavors in various culinary recipes.
Wide Variety of Uses
The seeds and leaves contribute anise to licorice flavor as a seasoning or spice. Leaf branches and stems are flavorings for grilled or baked fish. Fennel seeds are indispensable for Italian sausages. Crushed seeds are added
to sauces, cakes, breads, and salad dressings. Medically, seeds are steeped with tea, and oil is extracted from the seeds of var. dulce Florence fennel, Finnocchio. The rootstock is cooked
as a vegetable or eaten raw in sandwiches and salads.
Fennel seeds are known to relax smooth muscles and aid in digestion. They are particularly helpful in the digestion of fat. In ancient Greece, fennel was a popular weight-loss herb. Chewing the seeds curbs the appetite. It was noted for its diuretic effects and recommended for urinary tract inflammation and restriction to help eliminate urinary stones. Eating the peeled stalk will ease stress and insomnia as it produces calm relaxation.
The oil is added to liqueurs for flavor. Ironically, with the help of fennel seeds, the liver
neutralizes poisons or toxins more effectively. Fennel seeds reduce the effect of alcohol on the body. To fight the signs of aging, fennel is used in facial steams to cleanse the pores. Over the centuries, it became an additive to anti-wrinkle cream. It can be blended with other herbs into homemade soaps, perfumes, facial and body creams.
Propagation and Growing Tips
Fennel is finicky about transplanting, making it difficult to do so. It is best sown directly into its permanent garden spot. It easily sprouts from seeds and will self-propagate once they are established. In spring, sow seed in full sun where plants are to grow and will not hide smaller herbs. Fennel grows rapidly in well-drained garden soil that is rich, limey, and dry. It loves full sun.
Varietals, such as finocchio or Florence, have been cultivated to produce an edible bulbous root base like celery. These delicious types need to have their soil mounded around the base to lighten the lower roots to be eaten. In areas with harsh winters, you can preserve fennel by wintering it in a bucket with dry soil. Remove them for wintering in November and store them in a cool and dry. place
How Fennel Became Popular
The use of fennel dates back almost 2,000 years according to historical reports. Bakers in Rome used them in breads for flavor. Apicius, the 1st century gourmet, used fennel seeds in his famous sauces and felt every kitchen should have them. Roman warriors symbolically wore wreaths of fennel leaves and ate fennel for good health and courage. Ladies dined on fennel to prevent obesity.
In the 2nd century, Galen (the famous physician) declared it one of the 4 warming seeds with asparagus, anise, and parsley. In the 8th century, it was one of the 9 herbs held sacred by the Anglo-Saxons for its power against evil or to fight the 9 causes of disease. Charlemagne declared it part of the imperial garden in 1812 due to its healing properties.
The poor and wealthy alike ate fennel for strength and during Lent to prevent hunger pains while fasting. It was also used as a main ingredient in eyewash and to improve eyesight. Today, besides being used for culinary purposes, it has cosmetic uses, such as anti-aging creams, because of its hormonal substances. These substances display estrogen-like effects, slowing the signs of aging.
A Combination of Health and Beauty
From every perspective, fennel is a boon. Every part of the plant, from the seed to the root, can be used for culinary, medical, and cosmetic reasons. This simple, age-old herb, known for its weight loss and anti-aging effects, is a welcome bonus in today’s society of chemicals and chemical processing, from what we eat to what we put on our bodies. Succeeding at weight reduction and looking young just got a whole lot easier with the ancient remedy of fennel.
