Thrive! Fennel Season

Thrive! presents practices that can improve life. This post explores fennel.  Of this vegetable, Whole Foods Markets says, “All parts are edible and delicious!”

• The bulb is often enjoyed raw in salads, salsas and slaws or braised, roasted or grilled.
• The stalks can be chopped and added to soups, stews, chowders and stocks.
• The leaves make a perfect garnish or addition to any recipe calling for fresh herbs.”
• Read more. 

Peak season for this six-foot tall, yellow-flowered herb is autumn through spring.  WebMD reports fennel belongs to the carrot and celery family, is “common in Italian and Greek cuisines” and has a licorice flavor.  Benefits include:

• Improved digestion by reducing bowel inflammation and the bacteria that cause gas:
• Less menstrual cramping by reducing the hormones oxytocin and prostaglandin that add to painful periods
• Colic relief for newborns
• Antioxidants. The rosmarinic acid, chlorogenic acid quercetin and apigernin help fight free radical cell damage.
• Lots of nutrients, like fiber, potassium, vitamin C and manganese.

While taking care of allergies, while pregnant and breastfeeding as well as of interactions with medications, fennel works well as,

• Soothing tea made by steeping the seeds
• A cooking oil and for aromatherapy
• Soup by pureeing with lees and potatoes
• Thin slices that garnish salads
• Sausage ingredient

In “Is Fennel Good for You?” Medical News Today reports the plant’s,

• Phosphate and calcium help maintain strong bones.
• Iron and zinc are, ”crucial for the production and maturation of collagen.”
• Manganese is necessary for bone matrix formation.
• Vitamin K intake reduces risks of bone fracture.
• Vitamin C supports skin health

GaiaHerbs.com’s “Fennel Seeds, 9 Benefits,” recommends,

• Chew seeds after meals
• Throw Fennel fronds into smoothies
• Try fennel seeds in popcorn
• Add Fennel bulb to roasted veggies
• See 8 more tips.

Why not try this Pasta with Fennel, Kale and Lemon recipe?  From Serious Eats, here are “21 Fennel Recipes That Everyone Will Love.”

For enriching information, see,

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Length:  4 Minutes, 16

See Also:

• Benefits of Fennel Seeds / Remedy for Good Digestion / Perfect Digestion 1:0011
• Surprising Benefits of Fennel to Know  05:42
• Incredible Benefits of Fennel Seeds 1:00