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Foeniculum vulgare Fennel Evergreen perennial (1 Page of 5) The Foeniculum vulgare plant species is found in S. Europe. Naturalized in Britain. It is a member of the Umbelliferae family. Common gardeners may know the plant as Fennel. Some home gardeners know the variety as F. officinale. Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses Medicinal | Edible Uses Latin Name: Foeniculum vulgare Common Name: Fennel Family: Umbelliferae Author: Mill. Known Hazards: Skin contact with the sap or essential oil is said to cause photo-sensitivity and/or dermatitis in some people[218, 222]. Ingestion of the oil can cause vomiting, seizures and pulmonary oedema[222]. Mature Height: 1.5 Mature Width: 1 Habitat: Found most often in dry stony calcareous soils near the sea[1, 16, 190].
Edible Uses: Leaves - raw or cooked[2, 4, 5, 9, 27]. A delicious aniseed flavour[183], the young leaves are best since older ones soon become tough[K]. They are often used as a garnish on raw or cooked dishes and make a very pleasant addition to salads[183]. They help to improve digestion and so are particularly useful with oily foods[244]. The leaves are difficult to store dried[200], though this does not really matter since they can often be harvested all year round, especially if the plants are in a warm, sheltered position[K].
Leaf stalks and flower heads - raw or cooked[14, 37, 52, 183]. A similar aniseed flavour to the leaves[K].
The aromatic seeds are used as a flavouring in cakes, bread, stuffings etc[2, 4, 5, 21, 27, 183]. They have a similar flavour to the leaves[K] and also improve the digestion[244]. The sprouted seeds can be added to salads[183].
An essential oil from the fully ripened and dried seed is used as a food flavouring in similar ways to the whole seed[1, 46, 183, 245].
Root - cooked[53]. Somewhat parsnip-like.
The leaves or the seeds can be used to make a pleasant-tasting herbal tea[16, 183].
For further Foeniculum vulgare gardening information click on one of the blue links below Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses Medicinal | Edible Uses
The information above has been supplied solely via the hard work and dedication of the team at 'Plants for a Future'. View their bibliography

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