Fennel

In Ayurvedic medicine, fennel is used as a digestive aid.

When I first began studying Ayurveda in 2012, I remember learning about CCF (Cumin, Coriander, & Fennel) Tea. Combining about 1/2 teaspoon of each dried seed and steeping in hot water for ten minutes, promotes healthy digestion.

Fennel seeds and fresh fennel alleviate bloating, increase the bodies ability to burn fat, move lymph, and cleanse.

And while this is a Ayurvedic remedy, fennel also has its place in other cultures too. From my childhood years growing up in an Italian family, sliced fennel was commonly served after a heavy meal to help with digestion.

Today, I skip the heavy pasta dishes but still do incorporate fennel into my diet.

A favorite way to prepare it is as a shaved fennel salad using tool such as a mandolin.

Refreshing Citrus Salad with Fennel and Avocado or Shaved Fennel Salad from Love & Lemons.

Recently, I was gifted The Chef’s Garden by farmer Lee Jones. This gorgeous book includes a Fennel Puree recipe that is perfect to accompany other root vegetables or alongside fish or lamb.