It can increase the flow of breast milk for nursing mothers. The fennel plant is native to the southern European and Mediterranean regions, although nowadays it is cultivated and produced in other parts of the world such as India, China and Egypt. In my kitchen I add fennel seeds into a Northeastern take on that classic French herb mix, herbes de Provence, by combining dried lavender, oregano, thyme, rosemary and sage with dried fennel seeds. These dried seeds are used as a spice to provide an aniseed flavour and a warm, sweet aroma. The plant has feathery leaves, which are used as a herb and it also produces yellow flowers, which when they die, seeds form in clumps, and are collected once they have ripened and hardened. Hang the bag in a cool, dry location for a couple of weeks until the seed-heads dry out completely. Unlike celery seeds, fennel seeds are larger and can easily be dropped individually in seed-starting pots or in the plant bed. Let's get cooking! How long does fennel seed last? Each part of the fennel plant, including the seed, carries with it a licorice flavor, and I find that people either love that flavor or want absolutely nothing to do with it. Seeds have seriously figured it out. Clip off entire flower stalks and put them, seed-side down, into a paper or cloth bag. How can you tell if fennel seed is still good? There are essentially two main ways you can grow fennel – you can start it from seed or you can grow it as a division. You will most definitely find them in shops or markets that specialise in Indian and Chinese food products. Most people choose the seed method because dividing fennel plants is not as easy as it is to divide other garden plants. To maximize the shelf life of fennel seed purchased in bulk, and to better retain flavor and potency, store in containers with tight-fitting lids. This is due to the high levels of certain components that are known to prevent muscle spasms and cramps. The bulb-like vegetable called fennel, Florence fennel, finocchio or Italian fennel is related to the herb fennel and is similar in taste and flavour, however they are not the same plant. Properly stored, fennel seed will generally stay at best quality for about 3 to 4 years. *For a lovely and informative appreciation of seeds, see the children’s book A Seed is Sleepy, by Dianna Hutts Aston and Sylvia Long. How long does fennel seed last at room temperature? It is useful as both a vegetable centerpiece and as an herbal seasoning, and can be eaten both cooked and raw. Remove seed heads from the fennel plant when the seeds turn brown. It has also been long thought that fennel seeds can help with weight-loss and obesity, as chewing on the seeds can suppress hunger. The flower umbels (the umbrella-like flower clusters) are both beautiful and tasty as an edible garnish in food and drinks. This beautifully written and meticulously illustrated book is my favorite resource when teaching both young people and adults alike about the seed cycle. But even if you forget to save some seeds for replanting, nature will likely do the job for you, having already dropped some of the information packed parcels onto the ground. For this reason, you only need to use a teaspoon to 1 tablespoon (about 2 to 6 grams) of dried, whole fennel seeds … Grass seeds and legume seeds are particularly prolific staples of diets all around the world, with corn, wheat, rice and beans serving as the caloric foundation for countless cultures throughout the course of human history. Use the seeds when making bread or biscuits. Leave the seed heads in the sealed bag for one or two weeks until they dry completely and then carefully brush the seeds from the seed heads to save the seeds. Fennel's dried ripe seeds and oil are used to make medicine. Does fennel seed ever spoil? Working in tandem with animals, humans, plants and microorganisms. Copyright ©2020 Edible Capital District. Sign up for our free meal planner. The plant has a long taproot that doesn’t like to move or mess with. Dig holes 9 to 12 inches apart in the plant bed for transplanting, then simply set the seedlings in the holes. Fennel seeds are the dried "fruit" of the fennel plant and herb (Foeniculum vulgare). Reduce all kinds of stomach discomfort and pain. Is there anything more impressive than a seed? Fennel, which can be grown in both bulb or non-bulb varieties, is a hearty crop even in some of the coldest northern climates. Discover how to store, prepare and cook with fennel seeds. Is fennel seed safe to use after the "expiration" date on the package? Fragrant and flavorful, the mix is perfect on roasted meat, poultry and root vegetables, in fresh-baked breads or sprinkled on homemade pizza. No, commercially packaged fennel seed does not spoil, but it will start to lose potency over time and not flavor food as intended - the storage time shown is for best quality only. In Scandinavia and central Europe, the seeds are used in baking, particularly in rye breads and sweet pastries. If the seeds don’t seem completely dried out, lay them out in a single layer on a cloth for a few days or put them in a dehydrator set on low for a few hours. Chewing the seeds will freshen the breath and can take away the smell and taste after eating garlic. After all, seeds are nothing if not determined. Medicinally fennel seeds have traditionally been used to settle the stomach and digestive system. From tiny chickadees to lumbering black bears, our surrounding forests are full of hungry seed transporters and germinators, unintentionally working for plant-life as they enjoy a late-summer or autumn snack. How long does fennel seed last? But even if you forget to save some seeds for replanting, nature will likely do the job for you, having already dropped some of the information packed parcels onto the ground. The seeds can then be stored in an airtight jar for up to one year. That innovation and resourcefulness all centers around giving each plant species the best chance at survival, so the fact that seeds are often delicious is no accident. All rights reserved, Article from Edible Capital District at https://ediblecapitaldistrict.ediblecommunities.com/recipes/save-your-fennel-seeds. Fennel seeds are actually a spice, although the leaves, stalks and roots of the plant are known as a herb.