Produce Briefs...
Mache
Mache has been cultivated in France since the 17th century, and in France it is known as doucette. It is also known as "lamb's lettuce" because its leaves resemble the size and shape of a lamb's tongue.
Iceberg Lettuce
It is the only lettuce type that does not occur in red form as well as green. Iceberg is the given name to dozens of cultivars of lettuce, all of which are adapted to specific planting regions and time periods.
Grower
Fennel blossoms are available year round with a peak season in the summer.
Fennel blossoms, of the species Foeniculum, are a perennial herb and member of the Apiaceae family. Fennel blossoms are prized for their pollen which has become an immensely popular spice in the culinary world.
Fennel blossoms are made up of umbels, numerous short flower stalks attached to a central green stem, from which clusters of delicate bright yellow flowers bloom. The flowers contain a light yellow to golden brown pollen and have a warm, aromatic anise scent.
Fennel blossoms are ideal for use in a variety of preparations. Combine with other whole herbs when making pickles. Add to sauces, dressings and soups or sprinkle atop salads to add flavor and color. Use fennel blossoms in oil and vinegar infusions. The anise flavor will enhance breads, cakes, cookies, rissoto and fresh pasta. Add flowers to homemade sausage or chop and serve atop grilled fish.
Native to southern Europe, the name fennel is thought to have derived from the Greek name, marathon or mathonas which is the site where a great battle between the Greeks and Persians was fought in 490 and a location where significant amounts of wild fennel was said to have grown. Fennel blossoms are cultivated around the world and are particularly popular in Mediterranean cuisine as well as in India and the United States.
Recipe Ideas
Recipes that include Fennel Blossom. One
is easiest, three is harder.
| Fresh Origins | Homepage |
Seasons/Availability
Fennel blossoms are available year round with a peak season in the summer.
Current Facts
Fennel blossoms, of the species Foeniculum, are a perennial herb and member of the Apiaceae family. Fennel blossoms are prized for their pollen which has become an immensely popular spice in the culinary world.
Description/Taste
Fennel blossoms are made up of umbels, numerous short flower stalks attached to a central green stem, from which clusters of delicate bright yellow flowers bloom. The flowers contain a light yellow to golden brown pollen and have a warm, aromatic anise scent.
Applications
Fennel blossoms are ideal for use in a variety of preparations. Combine with other whole herbs when making pickles. Add to sauces, dressings and soups or sprinkle atop salads to add flavor and color. Use fennel blossoms in oil and vinegar infusions. The anise flavor will enhance breads, cakes, cookies, rissoto and fresh pasta. Add flowers to homemade sausage or chop and serve atop grilled fish.
Geography/History
Native to southern Europe, the name fennel is thought to have derived from the Greek name, marathon or mathonas which is the site where a great battle between the Greeks and Persians was fought in 490 and a location where significant amounts of wild fennel was said to have grown. Fennel blossoms are cultivated around the world and are particularly popular in Mediterranean cuisine as well as in India and the United States.
Recipe Ideas
Recipes that include Fennel Blossom. One
is easiest, three is harder.| Lara Ferroni |
|
Fennel Blossom Soup |
