Fennel

Fennel is a hardy perennial herb of the carrot family with feathery, thread-like leaves, hollow stems and flat clusters of small yellow flowers, followed by oblong, ridged, greenish fruits. Native to the Mediterranean, it is cultivated in India, especially Gujarat and Rajasthan.

The fruit, called the seed, is used. In Ayurveda, Mishreya or Shatapushpa is valued as a sweet, cooling, aromatic herb traditionally used for digestive comfort. Fennel seeds are commonly chewed after meals to freshen breath.