Fennel: "The Meetin' Seed"

The Puritans nicknamed Fennel the ‘meetin’ seed because it was commonly used by them as a snack during the long hours of their meetings. It has long been known as a deterrent to hunger pains, as well as a breath freshener. Fennel is also mentioned in the ancient Spanish agricultural records as far back as A.D. 961. The emperor Charlemagne was very instrumental is popularizing the use of this plant.

Fennel was once grown only in southern Europe and the Mediterranean areas. Today, it is widely grown in India, China, Turkey, and Egypt. This tall tender perennial herb has a sweet anise, licorice flavoring long used by the ancient Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans.

This multi-dimensional plant is both an herb and a spice. The leaves and roots are the edible portions of this plant, where as the seeds are considered a spice and are used whole or ground. Fennel is an important ingredient in seasonings, especially those of French and Italian blends. Originally used to enhance bland foods, it is mainly used to flavor fish, pork, sausages, duck, and breads. The leaves can be used as a garnish to add distinctive flavoring to salads and sauces. Chef John Morey likes to add fresh fennel leaves while carmelizing onions to mix a touch of anise flavoring with the sweetness of the onions. He also likes to add several diced leaves to a pan of fresh scallops.

Ancient Romans used fennel as eyewash to help improve their eyesight, whereas the Greeks look upon fennel as a sign of success. Fennel oil is commonly used in medicines to enhance the flavor, as well as an aid for cough and respiratory congestion. A tea can be made to help relieve indigestion. It has been noted that fennel oil, when added to certain medicines, help prevent intestinal colic. Fennel is also a good source of fiber with small amounts of vitamins A and C.

The fennel plant has feathery like leaves with small clusters of golden yellow flowers. It can easily grow 4- 5 feet in height and has been occasionally known to reach a height of 7-8 feet. It prefers full sunlight and well-drained soil, but I have found that this plant can readily adapt to partial sunlight and survive most soil conditions, except consistently soggy soils. Fennel blooms in late July-August, after which you can collect the seeds.

The ornamental graceful characteristics, combined with its height, allow this plant to make a striking addition to your vegetable or perennial garden. The new growth of Bronze Fennel, which is my favorite variety, is brown in color and adds another aesthetic reason to put this plant in your garden.

There are few insect and disease problems associated with growing fennel, but it does attract the bright green larvae of the Swallowtail butterfly. You may choose to leave them on the plant for that very reason or just simply pick them off. Other than that, there is little to be concerned about. If you do happen to have an insect problem, I would suggest using an organic or natural spray from I Must Garden. Using this prevents you from having to wait a certain amount of days before harvesting the plant.