Italy / Fennel
A flowering perennial plant in the carrot family, fennel is indigenous to the Mediterranean shores. The first appearance of fennel dates back to Pliny (AD 23-79). The Roman author of The Naturalis Historie observed snakes eating and rubbing against fennel. He believed it was to improve their eyesight after shedding their skins and went on to base twenty two homeopathic remedies on the herb.
Through the centuries, fennel was also used as an insect repellant, believed to give courage to warriors going into battle, and was a staple in the household of King Edward I of England who believed it had digestive and weight loss properties.
The Puritans are credited with bringing fennel to America. They brought handkerchiefs of fennel seed to nibble on during long services to stave off hunger; which led to fennel seeds often being referred to as ‘meetin’ seeds’.
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Tomato Fennel Bread Soup
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Savory Fennel Cake
Petite Salad
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