Unusual Vegetable Plants

Fennel and Florence Fennel.

The Fennel that most people will be familiar with is the feathery perennial herb that grows 5 feet tall, but there is another type of Fennel called Florence Fennel. (See further down page)

Fennel plants are easy to grow, but will become unkempt and woody if not repeatedly cut to encourage new growth. As with most plants  they will produce seed and these can be used as well in the kitchen. Fennel can be chopped and used in food preparation in many ways where it's Aniseed flavour might be appreciated although the flavour is not to everyone's taste. 

Florence Fennel, or Finocchio, has highly decorative tops and the same Aniseed flavour, but, with this plant, it is the bulbous base that is usually eaten, although the tops can be used in the same way as ordinary Fennel. This is not an easy vegetable to grow as it needs warmth, plenty of water and runs to seed very easily. As with growing Potatoes, Florence Fennel needs "Earthing up" to produce a nice crisp white bulbous base. Florence Fennel is very much a vegetable in the way it can be used instead of merely a flavouring as with ordinary Fennel. It can be sliced or grated and eaten raw in salads, or it can be boiled.

Finocchio can be harvested in the late Summer when it should be the size of a flattened tennis ball. Although, not one of the easiest vegetables to grow, it is well worthwhile if you like the taste, because although seen on sale in many greengrocers, it is usually very expensive with single "Bulbs" often costing the best part of one pound each.