Fennel: A Versatile Powerhouse of Diet
By Marie Olson, RWP, NTP, CA
Fennel is an fascinating and versatile plant. It has a number of makes use of culinarily, and in addition supplies advantages herbally and aromatically.
Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare) is a perennial herb that’s extremely fragrant. It has been described as having the flavour of black licorice, or anise (Pimpinella anisum), however many discover it to be a lot milder, which makes it appropriate for a wide range of purposes. There are three totally different plant components which can be utilized in cooking: The seeds, the stalk/bulb, and the fronds.
Edible Elements of Fennel
The fronds resemble dill (Anethum graveolens) in each look and taste. That is sensible, since each fennel and dill are from the Apiaceae household, which incorporates celery (Apium graveolens), parsley (Petroselinum sativum), and coriander (Coriandrum sativum). It is usually a relative of anise (Pimpinella anisum), which it resembles each bodily and aromatically. The fronds are sometimes used as a garnish, and may be eaten uncooked. The bulb may be cooked or eaten uncooked, and it is scrumptious sautéed, utilized in stews, or eaten uncooked in salads, including an extra layer of taste with the delicate style of anise that it possesses. The stalks can be utilized for soups, shares, and stews. The seeds are utilized in many cultures for flavoring totally different dishes. They may even be utilized in toothpaste! The seeds are literally the dried fruits of the plant and are one of many frequent substances present in sausage making.¹,²
Fennel Nutritional vitamins and Minerals
Fennel is excessive in fiber, low in energy, and incorporates Nutritional vitamins B3 (Niacin), B5 (Pantothenic Acid) B9 (Folate) and C, together with the minerals calcium, copper, iron, 
magnesium, manganese, molybdenum, phosphorus, and potassium. It’s thought of a wonderful supply of Vitamin C, and is an excellent supply of dietary fiber. The seeds are a wealthy supply of protein. It’s excessive in antioxidants, and possesses anti-inflammatory properties. Fennel has many advantages for one’s well being and it is a straightforward addition to meals that can be utilized in a wide range of methods. Moreover, fennel can also be a terrific selection for these with digestive discomfort; it helps to alleviate indigestion. Its oil (taken from the seeds) and extracts have been proven to be antifungal and antibacterial in animal research, although extra analysis is required for people.²
Choose and Retailer Fennel
Fennel is often accessible year-round, with peak season being autumn by way of early spring. It is finest saved within the fridge to take care of freshness. It’ll final about 4 days refrigerated and is finest saved earlier than washing; wash simply earlier than utilizing it. It’s best to pick out fennel by wanting on the bulb: Is it clear? Agency to the contact/strong? There needs to be no indicators of splitting, bruising or recognizing on the bulb. It needs to be white or pale inexperienced in coloration. The stalks needs to be comparatively straight, agency and near the bulb, with out spreading an excessive amount of. The stalks and fronds needs to be inexperienced, and it ought to scent aromatic, like anise or licorice. In case you discover flowering buds, this will imply it’s previous its maturity. Dried fennel seeds may be saved in an hermetic container in a cool place for as much as 6 months.²
One in every of my favourite methods to make use of fennel uncooked is in a salad. It supplies a wonderful taste and crunch! My favourite recipe utilizing it cooked, arms down, is Tuscan White Bean and Sausage Stew.
Tuscan White Bean and Sausage Stew
(Tailored from 29 Minutes to Dinner, Quantity 1 from The Pampered Chef)
Components:
1-pound delicate Italian Sausage
2-Three medium carrots, peeled
1 medium bulb contemporary fennel, bulb and stalks
1 (14.5-oz.) can diced tomatoes, undrained
2 cups of rooster broth (vegetable broth could also be used rather than rooster broth for vegetarian possibility)
four cloves of garlic, minced or pressed
2 (15-oz.) cans cannellini beans (white kidney beans), drained and rinsed
Recent basil, to style
Directions for Making: In a inventory pot or Dutch oven, brown sausage till golden brown, stirring often. Chop carrots in half lengthwise, then crosswise. Tough chop fennel bulb and stalks so it’s comparable dimension to the carrots. Add to pot and prepare dinner for 3-5 minutes, or till they develop into aromatic. Add garlic and prepare dinner till it begins to sizzle and “converse.” Stir in tomatoes and broth. Drain and rinse beans and add to pot. Convey to a boil, scale back to a simmer. Simmer, uncovered, for about 10-12 minutes till greens are tender. Whereas stew simmers, ribbon reduce basil (roll a number of leaves collectively and reduce cross-wise). Take away dish from warmth, add stew to bowls, and garnish with basil to style. Serve instantly.
References
1. “Fennel.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Basis, Accessed 15 Jan. 2020, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fennel.
2. “Fennel.” The World’s Healthiest Meals: The Drive for Change to Optimum with Well being-Selling Meals and Nutrient-Wealthy Cooking, by George Mateljan, George Mateljan Basis, 2015, pp. 288–293.
About Marie Olson: 
After a number of years of working as a Particular Investigator, Marie went again to high school to develop into a Purposeful Dietary Remedy Practitioner (FNTP). She all the time had an curiosity in pure medication, holistic well being, and the way issues work, and felt referred to as to study extra about foundational holistic vitamin. A buddy of hers launched her to important oils whereas she was learning to be an FNTP. She took her first aromatherapy class in 2015 with Aromahead Institute Faculty of Important Oil Research.
After finishing FNTP coaching, she opened a personal apply and taught Culinary Diet on the Culinary Institute of Virginia, the place she found that educating was a ardour of hers! Moreover, in her personal apply, she mixed her investigation abilities together with her vitamin and educating passions, and helped individuals get to the basis reason behind their digestive and well being points. She grew to become the primary Licensed Aromatherapist in Guam in 2018. She at the moment teaches aromatherapy lessons and works in personal apply as an FNTP and Licensed Skilled Aromatherapist. Important oils are an ideal complement to her vitamin apply, and he or she loves customized making merchandise to serve her purchasers’ wants! Marie is the NAHA regional director for Hawaii and Guam. Be taught extra about Marie at: www.NutriSimplicity.com
