Wednesday 9 September 2009

Fennel Seeds

Of all the herbs I grew this year fennel was one of the most successful. DSCF0016 It was covered with blossom which in turn became seed heads. I wanted to harvest the seeds as fennel seeds are so useful in cooking. However the spider’s had other thoughts. They wove their webs into the flower heads and set up their larders. DSCF0022 I have tried to show this by taking photographs but the light wasn’t good and the pictures arn’t clear. But here is one which I think shows what I’m talking about. DSCF0014 Not to be deterred I picked those heads that hadn’t been despoiled and put them in a paper bag to dry and drop their seeds. DSCF0020 I’m hoping that I shall have a fair number.  I went out and bought dinky little pots to put seeds in and hope I won’t be disappointed.DSCF0001 I managed to collect some from the coriander but not in any great quantity. The kitchen now smells of liquorice from the fennel.

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9 comments:

  1. cherry9 September 2009 at 21:22

    I would love to know how you use them in your cooking I have some that a friend gave me but I haven't a clue what to do with them .
    hugs, Cherry

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  2. Bangchik and Kakdah9 September 2009 at 21:46

    Fennel is useful to both, the gardener and the spider.... But spider uses it as anchor! ~bangchik

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  3. Mary Delle LeBeau10 September 2009 at 00:13

    Fennel makes a nice tea that settles the stomach. Coriander is nice in curries, ground up. I'm answering Cherry's questions, but It would be nice to hear how you use them, Valeri.

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  4. VP10 September 2009 at 09:07

    My fennel self seeded itself onto the allotment from who knows where, but it's a welcome addition :)

    I use loads for fennel tea, NAH uses it in curries and we spread them on top of pizzas to give a nice aniseed surprise. I use a lot in casseroles and soups too.

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  5. Val10 September 2009 at 13:24

    Cherry and Mary, as well as using them in tea I also use them with fish when I haven't got the feathery leaves and they are good with cucumbers as well and especially good thrown into salads!
    VP I got lots of self sown fennel last year which I gave away to friends. Once you've got it, you've got it for life.
    Bangchik I think fennel is exceptionally useful to the spider as the spokes of the flowers are ideal for making nests!
    Val

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  6. Autumn Belle10 September 2009 at 14:06

    Such a good harvst, Valerie. I can almost smell all your herbs. Now, I feel like cooking something to eat.

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  7. Wendy12 September 2009 at 18:28

    Thanks for the pic of the flower head in the paper cone. I wondered how one collects the seeds.

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  8. Anna12 September 2009 at 20:18

    Must do likewise Val otherwise there will be a surplus of baby fennel seedlings next year. As well as looking good and being useful it is a most soothing plant to stroke :)

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  9. GardenMom12 September 2009 at 20:19

    I have to fight the wasps for my fennel. I will have to go out very early in the morning before they get started to get some. I have over 15 species of wasp and bee on the fennel any given day. Isn't it a beautiful plant, though?

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