Life is a Garden: Healthy Herb – November (part two)

Harvesting seeds

At least one plant should be allowed to go to seed so that the umbel ripens and turns brown. When this has happened, cut off the flower head, dry it in a cool place and after 2-3 weeks shake the dried seeds into a brown paper packet or a container with a lid.

Good news for dieters

A tea made from crushed fennel seeds or leaves acts as a mild appetite suppressant as well as a diuretic. Both help to lose weight naturally.

A quick and easy tea can be made by placing 3-4 teaspoons of fresh leaves in a teapot and adding boiling water. Let it steep for five minutes and pour a refreshing, delicious cup of tea. Drink three times a day before meals. After five days, take a break for a day or two, then carry on.

Try this fennel recipe

There is nothing worse than soggy, overcooked cabbage, but this spicy cabbage stir-fry with fennel will convert anyone!

Heat olive oil in a frying pan and fry 1 cup of chopped cashew nuts for 30 seconds or until they start to brown. Add 350g each of chopped cabbage and spinach/Swiss chard, and stir-fry for 3-5 minutes. Add chopped fennel leaves towards the end of cooking and mix well. Season with salt and pepper. Lightly crushed fennel seeds could be used instead of the fresh leaves.

Five other ways with fennel

• Use the leaves in salads and as a garnish or to flavour salad dressing.
• Instead of sage, use fennel in stuffing for chicken.
• Add roasted fennel seeds to stir-fries and savoury fried rice
• Braai fish on a bed of dried fennel stalks
• Mix shavings of raw Florence fennel bulb with avocado and other salad greens. Peeled orange segments complement the taste.

Eyes right

Did you know that ancient Romans regarded fennel as the herb of sight? Today, a cold fennel tea can be used as an external eyewash, or compress for red eyes, or for the inflammation of the eyelids. Also use the tea as a refreshing facial rinse to tone the skin and to help to reduce wrinkles. For deep cleansing, add fennel to facial steams and baths.

Roasted Fennel Recipe

Sprinkle some olive oil over half-cut fennel bulbs, season with salt and pepper and bake in a hot oven at 200°C for about 15 minutes, until cooked through. Makes a delicious side dish to roasts.

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