March 24th, 2007 | admin

Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare), which is used for flavoring food items was introduced to India from Europe. The leaves are used as vegetable. Dried seeds, fruits and oil extracted are all used as flavoring agents for meat, fish, vegetable preparations and alcoholic and non alcoholic drinks.

The fruits are cut along with the stem and then spread on a mat for sun-drying. The fennel seeds are separated from the stems.

Fennel is also used as a medicine. Fennel stimulates lactation.

Foeniculum vulgae belongs to the plant family Umbelliferae.