Fennel

plants · herbs · Mediterranean · cooking

Feathery and Yellow. Fennel is a tall herb with delicate, feathery leaves and bright yellow flowers that look like little suns. It's so pretty that people grow it in gardens just to look at it, even if they don't eat it.

Tastes Like Licorice. Both the seeds and the bulb of fennel have a sweet licorice flavor that makes food taste interesting. Cooks use it in Italian sausages, fish dishes, and even pickles.

From the Mediterranean. Fennel originally grew wild along the rocky shores of the Mediterranean Sea where it was warm and dry. Now it grows in many countries around the world, especially near coasts and rivers.

Super Tough Plant. Fennel is hardy, which means it can handle tough conditions like dry soil, salt spray, and rocky ground where other plants might struggle.

Part of Carrot Family. Fennel belongs to the same plant family as carrots, parsnips, and celery, all plants with special flavors that make cooking more fun.