Gourmet Gardener: Fantastic fennel
Tara Kate Linnane
The aromatic herb fennel, not to be mistaken with Florence fennel the vegetable, is a flowering perennial herb.
It has soft feathery foliage and explodes into a cloud-like golden haze with large umbrella-like flowers. This flower structure is typical of the carrot family of plants, from which fennel belongs to. The reason why I am drawing your attention to it now is because, now, is when it is at its best aesthetically. It stands tall with architectural presence. It can be used in pots for height, and can be equally at home in a boarder. I always like the combination of tall sunny sunflowers growing up through the frothy foliage.
Fennel is adored by all pollinators. If you stand close on a sunny day you would be amazed at the activity of insects. It is perennial meaning it comes back year after year with little to no care. All it requires is a cut back to the ground in early spring before it starts to shoot again. I like to leave it over winter for an extra habitat for creatures, and because it looks so beautiful crystalised in winter frost.
The entire plant can be used in cooking. Each part has a distinctive flavour and smell. The aroma can be associated with middle eastern and indian cuisine. The green feathery foliage can be used for flavouring fish or for adding a unique note to salads. The large flowerheads can be used in salads or simply the pollen can be used as a spice. Fennel pollen has been also referred to by names such as "the spice of angels" and "culinary fairy dust". It has an anise-like licorice flavour with notes of citrus and honey that enhances sweet and savoury dishes alike.
The blossoms can also be left to dry on the plant, and the seeds collected before they get wet or disperse. To dry the seeds, cut whole seed heads in late summer when they ripen. Place in a paper bag until the seeds dry out and fall. Then store the seeds in an air-tight container.
There are different varieties to grow in the garden including the common fennel, and the beautiful bronze fennel. The spice is said to aid digestion and it's beneficial for insects so it's a plant I would highly recommend adding to your list.