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Fennel: The Uses and Nutrition Facts
2:08 AM | Author: Atie

The old Latin name for fennel, Fæniculum is derived from the word for hay. It has spread much as civilization has particularly where Italians have colonized and may be found growing wild in many parts of the world near the sea coast and upon river banks. Fennel grows to 5-6 feet tall The core of the fennel plant is similar in appearance to celery but more of a shape like an onion. The branches grow up the sides of this core into delicate, feathery branches like shown above.

Four Healthy Reasons to Eat Fennel

Fennel is full of beneficial nutrients including vitamin C, fiber, potassium, manganese, folate, niacin, phosphorous, calcium, magnesium, iron, and copper. It also provides these other good-for-you benefits:

  • Amazing Phytonutrients: The phytonutrients in fennel -- rutin, quercitin, anethole and more -- have been found to reduce inflammation, help prevent cancer and protect animal livers from damage caused by chemicals.

  • Antioxidant Protection: The fennel bulb is loaded with vitamin C, an antioxidant that helps protect your body from free radical damage, is antimicrobial and helps keep your immune system functioning effectively.

  • Fiber: Fennel is a good source of fiber, which may help to reduce cholesterol levels and remove cancer-causing toxins from your colon.

  • Folate: Fennel is also a good source of folate, a B vitamin that helps convert the dangerous homocysteine molecule (which can increase your risk of heart attack or stroke) into a harmless compound.

Fennel is a mainstay in French and Italian cooking.

Seeds
Fennel seeds are used in cooking, confectionary and for flavoring liquors.

Fennel oil
Fennel seeds are usually distilled with water producing a pale yellow liquid with a sweetish aromatic odor and flavor used to scent perfumes and soaps. About 500 pounds of plants will yield enough seeds to produce 1 pound of oil.

Young & Tender Leaves
Often used for garnishes and flavoring for salads. Fennel leaves are also minced and added to sauces and soups.

Stems
Fennel stems are considered a great delicacy and are often served raw with the leaf stalks around them.






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