Uses for Fennel

Fennel is a slightly sweet and crunchy vegetable with an anise seed-type flavor. The bulb, stalk, leaves and seeds of the robust green and white onion-shaped plant are edible and used in cooking, for medicinal purposes and cleaning. Popular in Mediterranean and Italian cuisine, the vegetable is available at farmer's markets and grocery stores from fall through early spring.

Vegetable

As part of the umbellifereae family of vegetables, fennel is a close relative of carrots, parsley, coriander and dill. Since fennel is a robust source of vitamin C, foliate, fiber and potassium it is a healthy and crunchy addition to salads and soups. The stalk can be eaten raw in long shoots or sliced. The pale green bulb portion of the plant can be sliced, or cut into chunks and eaten raw or cooked. The vegetable has a texture similar to celery.

Herb

You can use the leaves of the fennel plant as an herb, and add to soups, stews or dips. Try adding fennel leaves to cold cheese spreads or to decorate a relish tray. Grilled salmon and fennel complement each other. Fennel leaves can be dried and stored for use when fresh fennel is not readily available.

Seeds

Adding fennel seeds to your meal aids in digestion, according to Annie's Remedies. When eating a meal with foods that are difficult to digest, such as cabbage or beans, sprinkle a few fennel seeds on top to add flavor and extra digestion power.

Medicinal

The leaves and stems of the fennel plant can be ground into a paste and applied to the skin to relieve the breast swelling of nursing mothers, according to author Carol Leifer at www.gardensablaze.com. Other medicinal uses for fennel include fennel tea made of hot water and ground fennel leaves. This mixture helps quiet hiccups, breaks up kidney stones and treats jaundice. Fennel has been used with infants to relieve colic and flatulence.

Cleaning

Fennel is a natural flea repellent and can be placed near doorways or in the stuffing of dog beds to repel the pests. A steeping hot pan of water and fennel leaves also can be used for a facial. The fragrant licorice-scented plant helps open pores for a deep cleansing.