There are three main types of fennel that differ mainly in appearance and use. These include wild fennel, spiced fennel and tuber fennel. While the tuber is used for tuberous fennel, it is the flowers and seeds of spiced fennel and wild fennel that are used to make teas and spices.
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General differences and information about fennel
Fennel is a perennial, sometimes biennial, herbaceous plant. The plant can reach a height of up to 220 cm. reach. The entire fennel plant smells pleasantly aromatic and contains numerous essential oils.
While the seeds are predominantly used in the spiced fennel, it is the tuber in the tuberous fennel that is interesting. But although there are differences in terms of usability, the plants are quite similar in structure and all give off their incomparable aroma.
The wild fennel – a classic
The wild fennel is one of the best-known types of fennel. It comes from the Mediterranean region and has been popular and known since ancient times. Nowadays, wild fennel is mainly grown in the southeastern countries, India is one of the pioneers. Wild fennel is also very common in Tuscany. In Germany, on the other hand, this plant is found either in cultivation or in old rock gardens of monasteries and similar buildings.
Wild fennel has the botanical name Foeniculum vulgare var. Vulgare and comes from the umbelliferae family. The wild fennel is related to anise, caraway and dill, among other things.
Tuber fennel – the vegetable among the fennel varieties
When fennel is mentioned in a recipe book, the chefs mean tuber fennel. It is the best known type of fennel these days, but the other types have been around longer. It was created when two wild cultivars were crossed with each other.
Unlike the other varieties, tuber fennel is annual and is grown as a vegetable in many countries around the world. Tuber fennel can be grown in the home garden without any problems if a warm, sunny location is found. The plant urgently needs sun, otherwise it will not develop any aromatic tubers.
Fennel vegetables are now enjoying great popularity and are also used in fine cuisine. The white tuber is consumed, and fennel tea can be made from the stems and leaves.
The spiced fennel – the French talent
The cultivation of spiced fennel takes place predominantly in France. Its nickname is sweet fennel, because the fruits have a sweet aroma. Spiced fennel is used for seasoning, it is a delicious condiment for fish and meat dishes. This type of fennel is particularly suitable for laypeople, as it does not need a lot of care, exudes a delicious scent and has been a popular medicinal plant for thousands of years.
In contrast to the other two varieties, spiced fennel is very robust and frost hardy. There are no problems with overwintering in the wild, the plants are perennial and thrive again in the following year. The difference to the tuberous fennel is, for example, that the spiced fennel does not form any tubers. With him, the fennel content is contained in the fruits and later in the seeds. The seeds then contain numerous essential oils and are used, for example, to make tea.
Conclusion
The three most important types of fennel are tasty and aromatic, whether enjoyed as tea or vegetables. Fennel is already grown and used in many domestic gardens.
