Fennel, also known as finocchio and marathon, is a member of the
Apiaceae family original to the Mediterranean region and now naturalized
elsewhere. As a cousin to
celery and
carrot, fennel is also cultivated
for its bulbous root-stock, which is treated as a vegetable.
Although fennel resembles
dill in stature and structure, its foliage and
seed are reminiscent of
licorice or
anise in fragrance. In Europe,
fennel seed is a popular flavoring ingredient in baked goods, and fennel
seed tea is a time-honored favorite. During
the Middle Ages, it was common for the peasantry to carry the seed to
chew on while in church or in other public places.