fennel
Fennel is a popular plant used commonly in the popular Mediterranean Diet. All parts — bulb, stalk, leaves and seeds — are edible. Its flavour is reminiscent of licorice.
photo: Creative Commons, quinn.anya's photostream
Here are a few cooking ideas from the WHFoods site:
Healthy sautéed fennel and onions make a wonderful side dish.
Combine sliced fennel with avocados, and oranges for a delightful salad.
Braised fennel is a wonderful complement to scallops.
Next time you are looking for a new way to adorn your sandwiches, consider adding sliced fennel in addition to the traditional toppings of lettuce and tomato.
Fennel is rich in Vitamin C, folate and potassium, is a good source of fibre, and is said to lower blood pressure. It is an antioxidant, antimicrobial and helps in the proper function of the immune system. It can also ease bloating, flatulence, and digestive cramps.
Fennel will grow to be over five feet tall, so it’s best to plant it where it won’t block the sun for other plants. It prefers hot, dry climates but will grow under any garden conditions.
When it comes to companion planting, fennel is a lonely soul. It doesn’t get along with other plants, so it’s best to plant it away from the main vegetable garden. Dill will tolerate fennel, but is a poor choice since they will cross pollinate. Fennel will attract ladybugs and other beneficial insects to your garden and is a powerful flea repellent.
Since Fennel is a perennial, it will need a permanent place in the yard where it can return each year. It’s tall, feathery leaves will be a showy and reliable addition to your landscape.
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