Latin name Foeniculum vulgare
English name Fennel
Family Apiaceae
Description
The fennel comes from the central Mediterranean, and spread as a wild growing plant it across all continents. It was used in the old Mesopotamia for thousands of years before Christ. The ancient Greek name for fennel is a marathon - the word derives from the verb weight loss, because it was a popular means of weight reduction.
The plant is permanent or lasts two years. The stem is upright and wide, up to 2m high, green with a bluish touch. The leaves are filamenty and 0, 5mm wide. The flowers are yellow, in the double spherical inflorescences. It blooms from July to October. The fruit is elongated, ribbed, brownish green, 6 -10mm long and 4mm wide. It contains multiple seeds. We plant it in March and April. We harvest the fruits in September and October. We collect young leaves all year round. The fennel is easily spread and reproduces with seeds.
F. vulgare var. Azoricum is a cultivated version of fennel with a fleshy thickened stem. We know many varieties of cultivated varieties. Most of them are planted in August and we harvest the stems in September and October. If we plant it too soon, it could form into a flower and not into a stem. These plants are smaller than those in the wild.
Growth conditions and habitat
This fennel needs lots of sun and enough heat throughout the year, just like in its native country. The soil should be well drained, moist and rich in organic matter. In the wild, it also thrives on more dry and poor soils (banks along rivers).
Culinary use
Tea from its fruits have always been a known means of relieving gastrointestinal disturbances and a means of preventing strain. Its essential oil gives food a pleasant smell and a spicy sweet taste. Most of the oil is contained in the stems. Young leaves are used as additives in salads, fish dishes, sauces, soups, tomato and mixed salads. The fruits have a slight odor of hay, which is added in the process of baking cakes and bread. The stems are also used in salads.
Sources:
Karin Greiner, Angelica Weber: Zelišča od A do Ž, Narava d.o.o. Kranj, 2007
