Foeniculum vulgare

Botanical Name: Foeniculum vulgare
Family: Apiaceae (Carrot family)

What We're Growing:
We grow bulbing and bronze fennel for its feathery fronds, sweet licorice flavor, and pollinator-friendly blooms. Every part of the plant — bulb, stalk, frond, flower, and seed — is used with intention.

How We Use It:
The bulb is roasted, shaved raw into salads, or braised with fish and citrus. The seeds are used in spice blends, herbal teas, and digestion-supportive tinctures. Fronds add bright, herbal flavor to sauces and garnish.

Why It’s Good for You:
Fennel is deeply soothing to the digestive system. Its seeds contain anethole, a compound that relaxes smooth muscle in the gut and eases bloating, gas, and cramping. It’s also rich in fiber, vitamin C, and potassium, which support cardiovascular and immune health.

In traditional medicine, fennel is used to support lactation, soothe sore throats, and calm nervous tension. Its mild sweetness makes it especially useful in children's remedies.

In the Garden:
Fennel prefers full sun and fertile, well-drained soil. It grows tall and airy, making it a beautiful backdrop or feature plant. Its umbel flowers attract pollinators, but it should not be planted near dill due to cross-pollination.

Fun Fact:
Fennel seed tea has been used for centuries in Ayurvedic and Western herbal medicine to relieve digestive distress, especially in infants with colic and nursing mothers.