If you've ever come across fennel unexpectedly you may have been surprised by its unique flavor. Visually disguised as onion dill celery or anise fennel may look like many other things but it is a plant in its own right.
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How to Grow Fennel from Seed in Containers | Bulb Fennel or Florence Fennel
As an ingredient it pops up all over the place. Fennel is eaten as a vegetable used as a spice or condiment sprinkled as a garnish; even the pollen and essential oils are harvested for seasoning flavoring and perfuming. Its signature flavor can sometimes fall into the “love it or hate it” category which is why so many top chefs love to play with fennel in their cooking. Experiment with fennel first to see if it’s something you like. You’ll find that it opens up a world of possibilities in the kitchen. Fennel could be the new secret ingredient that adds a touch of sophistication to your culinary endeavors. And best of all it’s a weed that will thrive in your garden!
Fennel is a plant in the umbellifer family (or carrot family) although you might not expect the two to be related. Other relatives of fennel are parsley and parsnips. The green leafy tips are the part of the plant that most resembles a carrot but fennel is not a root vegetable. It grows on the ground above ground. Fennel is native to the Mediterranean region and is grown in temperate regions around the world including the United States.
There are three main varieties of fennel plant. Florence fennel also known as bulb fennel has a larger light green or white bulb at the base that is eaten as a vegetable. Wild or common fennel is used for herbal tea and pollen. It does not have an edible bulb. And sweet fennel is also commonly used as an herb and spice. Fennel is cultivated but in some places it is considered an invasive species and is also commonly found growing wild. You can even find it along the side of the road.
