Fennel ( Foeniculum vulgare ) is a typically Mediterranean herbaceous plant belonging to the Umbelliferae family. Always known for its aromatic, digestive and diuretic properties, it is used not only in food but also for preparing herbal teas and healing decoctions. Given the lightness of the infusions obtained from the fennel plant, this is also suitable for younger children . Let's find out better.
Description of the plant
There are two varieties of fennel, agricultural (or sweet) and wild. The first is the one we commonly use in the kitchen, of which we consume the white-faced sheath that develops at the base. Fennel is an annual or biennial plant, it has a taproot root and the heart is white, obtained thanks to the technique of bleaching by topping the ground.
Wild fennel, on the other hand, is a perennial plant that grows spontaneously, and produces umbrellas with yellow flowers, from which the fruits are obtained, those commonly used to flavor dishes and also called seeds.
Use and properties of fennel
Fennel is widely used both in the kitchen and in herbal medicine. Thanks to its digestive properties, it is useful for the entire gastrointestinal system, as it prevents the formation of intestinal gas and acts on abdominal contractions, thanks to the presence of anethole .
Fennel also has purifying, anti-inflammatory properties and is rich in flavonoids. In the kitchen you can use all the parts of the fennel. The white heart of cultivated fennel can be eaten raw in salads or boiled and gratinated.
On the other hand, fresh or dried flowers, fruits and leaves are used as fennel or wild fennel. There is also a "fennel liqueur", made with fresh flowers and fruits.
Fennel tea for children
- Features : fights intestinal spasms in early childhood.
- Recipe : crush the fruits of fennel, those that are often called seeds, and put them in infusion for about 10 minutes in boiling water.
- Use : consume before going to bed.
- Properties : antispasmodic, carminative, antibacterial.
