Fennel is an indigenous herb from the carrot family, which is very common in the Maltese islands. It flowers between the months of May and October and featured so much in the lives of the Mediterranean people, that they even used it in their legends and myths. It was for example, thanks to a stalk of fennel that, according to Greek mythology, the hero Prometheus was victorious in stealing a bit of fire from Mount Olympus and the Greek gods. The ancient Romans used fennel as an eye-wash to treat visual problems, as well as a mouth wash to sweeten the breath, while Russian folk healers used fennel to treat colic.
Fennel, which is most abundant during spring and summer in Malta, sports pretty yellow flowers and is a resplendent plant which can reach up to three meters in height. Both the leaves and the seeds of the plant can be used to garnish or flavor meat, fish or cheese, however the traditional tasty touch which is given to certain particular recipes, such as Maltese roast potatoes or pork, can only be derived from the seeds.
Fennel is even used in certain cocktails or alcoholic drinks. It is, for example, one of the main ingredients in the fermentation of the notorious 19th century green Absinthe.
Fennel seeds can act as a laxative and so aid digestion, as well as prevent flatulence and treat constipation. This herb contains iron and histidine, an amino acid which can be helpful in the treatment of anemia. Since fennel also contains high contents of fibre, it can also be helpful in maintaining optimal levels of cholesterol in the bloodstream. Fennel is also rich in potassium, which is vital for a number of important body processes and functions, such as reducing blood pressure, as well as increasing electrical conduction throughout the body, leading to an increase in brain function and cognitive abilities.
According to a number of health and medical sources, fennel can also be used to treat hormonal related issues, such as the female menstrual cycle, which can be a sensitive and painful time. Since fennel is anti-spasmodic, it can be a remedy for uterine cramps. It can also regulate out of control menstrual cycles since it contains an essential hormonal substance called ‘emmenagogue’, which stimulates the blood flow in the pelvic area and uterus, and can therefore aid in re-starting irregular period flows.
Preparations made from fennel seeds are also known to be used in cleansing milks to treat oily skin as well as eczema. Leaves can be used fresh, or prepared in an infusion with oil or vinegar. The seeds may also be ground and drunk with boiling water, as well as chewed as a good breath freshener.
This article was written by me and published on LivingInMalta. To access the original version directly, please go here.
Fennel is both a lovely plant and has a very agreeable taste, I must try this Maltese potato dish, sounds interesting and healthy. It is full of lovely feathery bright green leaves at the moment around here of young fennel plants. Quite beautiful 🙂
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You must definitely try it! Coincidentally i baked some chicken thighs and potatoes with fennel last Sunday and it was heavenly. So easy to prepare too! Personally I also find fennel tea very helpful for digestion.
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A question…do you just go out and pick the fennel around the place and use the leaves? I see so much of it here.
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Hehe no i get mine from an apothecary or the supermarket and use it dried. But it’s not illegal to just pick it from plants since it’s so common. Other herbs are not though and it’s not legal to pick them so better be sure before cutting them. This site has a lot of useful info if you want to check those you can pick and those plants which are in danger of extinction for example – http://www.maltawildplants.com/APIA/Foeniculum_vulgare.php
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Thanks for the link, yes I am very aware of rare and protected plants, will never pick them in the wild. It is too sad that some plants are in danger of extinction. Wild thyme is one of them it seems.
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