Tag: fennel

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Herb of the month – Fennel

This edition of herb of the month was chosen based on what was still looking good in our very own herb garden – and fennel (Foeniculum vulgare) is the winner by far!  This multi-purpose perennial plant is best grown in loose, well-drained soil, with regular watering and full sunlight.  Although it is suitable for container gardening, it will really thrive in the ground.  The most likely problem to encounter when growing fennel is root rot, easily avoidable by ensuring you don’t overwater the plants and that they are in light soil. Although I have to say our fennel is outdoors and winters are very wet here and it does just fine.

Whilst fennel is best known for the aniseed taste of its seeds, its bulb (Florence Fennel – Foeniculum vulgare, var. azoricum) is a great vegetable to cook with, being very high in vitamin C.  Its fine leaves can be snipped and used for seasoning; the thicker stalks are also great as a snack with hummus (if you like that sort of thing). It can also be kept around just for its pleasant yellow flowers, or its ferny foliage used to stunning effect in flower arrangements.

Fennel is used as seasoning in a lot of Mediterranean cuisine, but can also be delicious combined in more unusual foods – fennel chocolate truffles are simply wonderful. It can also be used in salads, stews, risottos, or this gorgeous recipe for avocado, prawn and fennel cocktails.

The seeds of fennel are often made into oil to treat various ailments, including heartburn, bloating, colic, coughs, bronchitis and backache. It is even suggested to be a cure for bedwetting. Fennel powder can be used as a poultice for snakebites and some women use forms of fennel to help increase the flow of breast milk and ease the birthing process.

The latin for fennel is Foeniculum vulgare and historically, fennel is the symbol of flattery. Shakespeare used this symbolism most famously in ‘Hamlet’, where Ophelia slights the King by handing him fennel (or flattery). It is thought that this is due to the tendency of fennel to wilt very quickly after being picked.

 

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Handy Kitchen Herbs

We made some fab hanging baskets recently, stuffed full of beautiful, useful herbs – and it got us thinking! Why not grow your favourite culinary herbs in planters right outside your kitchen door? We know that sometimes everyone needs a reminder of how easy it is to add a twist to otherwise standard foods, so although we’re probably preaching to the choir, here’s our handy list of kitchen herb combinations.

 

Blackcurrant and sage

This unlikely combination is guaranteed to please the taste buds. Just a tiny pinch of sage is all you’ll need to add an unusual flavour to this seasonal fruit. Check out this recipe for fantastic fruity tarts and experiment with the use of sage – you won’t regret it!

 

Strawberries and mint

While there are still plenty of strawberries around, why not have a go at adding a little finely chopped mint and sugar for an easy but exciting pudding. If you’re feeling really adventurous, try your hand at a mint jelly  and serve with crème fraiche.

Potatoes and rosemary

Sometimes the classics really are the best and it doesn’t get better than potatoes and rosemary! Whether it’s a pinch in your mash or a sprinkle on your roasties, it’s an easy trick that never fails to please. Rosemary’s great fresh or dried, so if you need to stock up have a look in our food hall.

Butter and fennel

We all know that everything tastes better with butter, but why not try something new with butter and fennel? Mash a sprinkle of fennel in with your butter for a super easy seasoning, great for roasting fish, slathering on bruchetta or use instead of garlic butter for a great garlic bread alternative!

Yoghurt and coriander

The summer months are a great time for casual eating, finger food and dips in the garden with a cocktail in hand! Spruce up your yoghurt with a handful of chopped coriander leaves – great just with breadsticks, cucumber and carrots or try it as an unusual salad dressing.