Fennel

Fennel is a native of southern Europe, where it was cultivated and used as medicine, food, insect repellent, and herb. According to Greek mythology, when humans received news from Olympus, it was sent in the form of a hot coal within a fennel stalk. New England Puritans called fennel seed the "meetin' seed" as it was commonly nibbled during church services. Fennel has a distinctive anise-like taste and has vitamin A, calcium, potassium and iron.

Storage Tips:

• Store fennel in a plastic bag in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.

• The delicate leaves will go limp. Wrap them in a moist towel and refrigerate.