DESCRIPTION

A bright green, erect, herbaceous plant of the Umbelliferae family, which can grow up to two metres in height.

The leaves are long and narrow, finishing off in needle-like segments, whose edges harden in the summer to avoid water loss.

The flowers appear in small branches with 20 to 50 small flowers on short stalks.

The fruit is an oval-shaped achene with five prominent straight ribs that are particularly developed where they join.

This is an evergreen herb that is cultivated for its use in cooking due to its intense aroma.

It comes from Southern Europe, especially the Mediterranean coastline where it grows in the wild.

CULTIVATION AND HARVESTING

Fennel grows in wastelands, rocky hillsides, on the sides of tracks, etc. They prefer a well-drained soil, but do not like heavy clay.

Light: Fennel likes a sunny spot. 

It must never be planted next to dill, as both can hybridise and loose their flavour; or near to coriander, caraway, beans, tomatoes or kohlrabi, as none of these will flower.

Fennel does not grow near wormwood as this plant causes germination problems.

Although seeds may be sown in spring, it is easier to buy the cultivated plant in a pot from a specialised nursery.

Once it has settled, the plant must be split every 3 to 4 years.

FENNEL COLLECTION

Fennel fruits (commonly called seeds) are collected at the end of the summer or beginning of autumn (September to October in the Northern hemisphere).
It is collected in the wild and the hotter the weather the more fragrant it smells.

Both the flowers and branches of seeds are dried by hanging the plant up by its roots.

COMPOSITION

Its essential oils mainly contain anethole and fenchone and other components with estragole and monoterpene hydrocarbons.

PROPERTIES AND USES ACKNOWLEDGED TRADITIONAL USE

Flatulence or spasms of the gastrointestinal tract and it helps fluidise secretions of the respiratory tract. (European Commission and ESCOP).

COMMON USE

As a galactogenic when breastfeeding and in eye washes for tired eyes and sight problems. It is also used as a flavouring for phytotherapeutic preparations.

DID YOU KNOW ?

The Romans loved fennel and it could always be found in any respectable Roman home. They were convinced that if there were fennel shoots in the kitchen they would be safe from all illnesses. Even the gladiators included it in their diet on a daily basis in order to gain strength and courage, thus being able to boldly confront the Roman circus.