2024 Author: Jasmine Walkman | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 08:29
Fennel / Foeniculum vulgare / is a plant of the genus Foeniculum, which grows in southern Europe and southwestern Asia. It belongs to the Sennikotsvetnikov family, to which carrots and parsley belong. Fennel is known as fennel, fennel, fennel, fennel, fenugreek and fennel.
Fennel is a very fragrant perennial herb that is straight and blue-green in color. It reaches a height of 2 meters and its leaves reach 40 cm in length. They are finely chopped and the end parts are filamentous and about 0.5 mm wide. The flowers of the fennel are formed at the top in complex awnings, as each section of the individual awning contains 20-50 small yellow flowers. The fruit of fennel is a dry elongated seed, which is 4-9 mm long.
Composition of fennel
Fennel contains 6.5% essential oil, which contains pinene, athenol, phellandrene, camphene, phenchol, limoneom, methylhavicol, anise acid, dipentene. The composition of fennel includes fat, starch, protein, vitamin C, provitamin A and others.
Collection and storage of fennel
The usable part of the fennel is its fruit. It is harvested shortly before they are fully ripe - August-September, so that they do not rot. After harvesting, the plant should be allowed to mature. The fruits are dried in the shade. Properly dried fennel fruits have a characteristic color, sweet taste and aniseed odor. Fennel should be stored in a dry and ventilated place.
Fennel in cooking
In Central Europe, fennel is used not only as a spice but also as a vegetable. It can be compared to celery in our kitchen, which is used in the same way and at the same time is a very close relative of fennel. Fennel is especially revered among Spanish and Italian chefs. They use not only the aboveground parts, but also the rhizome.
The fennel it has a very pleasant aroma, similar to the aniseed and sweet taste, which is slightly reminiscent of dill. Used for soups and salads, sauces, mayonnaise, various fillings for fish and meat. Fennel can be put in a tarator, in a vitamin salad of red beets, in some types of pastries.
It is especially suitable to put in the broth when cooking crabs, fish or potatoes. It goes extremely well on black bread sandwiches. The fennel as a spice is placed at the end of the heat treatment. Combines well with onions, parsley, garlic and dill.
Benefits of fennel
It is believed that the consumption of fennel prolongs life, increases strength and even chases away evil spirits. The beneficial effect of fennel is related to its constituent substances.
The essential oil of fennel perfectly cleanses the body and removes toxins and toxins. It is especially useful for those who are addicted to alcohol and overeating. Fennel has a mild laxative effect. It has a beneficial effect on the digestive system, eliminates nausea, constipation and flatulence.
It is used to treat kidney stones, swelling and cellulite. It affects the hormonal system of women, which is why it is used for menopausal problems. During menopause, the oil of fennel is extremely effective because it stimulates the production of its own estrogen. The oil has a very good hepatoprotective effect in toxic liver damage. Fennel helps to increase lactation. Therefore, it is recommended for nursing mothers.
Fennel essential oil is believed to be a mild sexual stimulant. The oil can be used for baths and massages. Used in cosmetics to soften the skin. Under its influence, the skin becomes elastic and fresh.
Along with all the beneficial properties, fennel has good antifungal activity. Fennel oil helps to lower blood pressure, improves the work of the cardiovascular system.
Folk medicine with fennel
In our folk medicine fennel It is also used for sand in the kidneys and bladder, for coughs, hoarseness, shortness of breath, etc. Externally used for inflammation of the eyelids and eyes, as well as to enhance vision.
1 tbsp. lightly crushed fruit from fennel pour 400 ml of boiling water and leave to soak for about 2 hours. Drink one glass of wine four times a day before meals.
Harm from fennel
The essential oil of fennel not recommended for pregnant women, children under 6 years of age and people with epilepsy. Be careful, because in large doses it acts like a drug.
Recommended:
Fennel Tea Helps Digestion And Cleanses The Body
Fennel tea is a light beverage that should be drunk in large quantities by people suffering from constipation, because it will speed up metabolism and promote better digestion. Dill is recommended in many recipes in the daily diet, because in addition to dishes it gives a pleasant taste and facilitates digestion.
When To Drink Fennel Tea?
Foeniculum vulgare is the Latin name of a very well known spice in our country - dill. It is used both to give a specific aroma and taste to various dishes, and as an additive in canning food and meat. In addition to these culinary merits fennel also has healing properties , which give it a place among the useful herbs in our country.
Let's Cook A Fennel
Preparing one of the most useful vegetables - fennel, is a very pleasant and easy activity. And the result is totally worth it. To prepare the fennel in the right way, always follow the advice of the chefs. The usable part of the plant are the root part and the parts of the stem.
Culinary Use Of Fennel
Fennel is a plant of the Umbelliferae family. It is a relative of parsley and carrots. Also called wild dill, fenugreek or morach. It grows in Southwest Asia and Southern Europe, especially in the Mediterranean. The fennel has a sweet taste and a pleasant aroma reminiscent of anise.
Sea Fennel - Benefits And Culinary Uses
Sea fennel is a type of salty, marsh grass. For centuries, its succulent stems have been sought after for their soothing digestive properties and high nutritional value. Sea fennel is best for cooking from May to October. In Turkey, it is prepared stewed.