Seed Story

There are two types of fennel – the herb type and the vegetable type. Both types are part of the carrot family.

Florence fennel is the bulbous form of the well known herb originally called Finnochio.

Fennel was used by the ancient greeks and romans as a medicine, a food and an insect repellent. The romans called it the herb of sight. 

Greek warriors and gladiators ate fennel to help them succeed in battle. 

The most famous fennel story is that of Prometheus. Legend has it that he stole fire from Mount Olympus and hid it in a fennel stalk in order to return the fire to humanity. Fennel stalks are still used to this day to carry light in Greece.

Folklore also has it that fennel seeds placed in keyholes would keep out ghosts. 

Florence fennel is used today as a delicious vegetable with a delicate, aniseed taste. It can be grilled, braised, boiled and sautéed.