In the modern world, people no longer imagine cooking without the use of all sorts of spices and herbs.
Some of them are known to us from childhood, and we are discovering some for ourselves only now. Thus, in Russia, a new seasoning, fennel, is beginning to gain popularity.
From this article you will learn what kind of spice, what are its benefits and harm. Read about the chemical composition of fennel, about the features of the use in food and use in traditional medicine.
What is this spice?
Seasoning fennel consists of seeds of the same name plantwhich are located in its inflorescences. They have a sweet-spicy taste and a pleasant smell, combining the aroma of dill and anise. Seeds are characterized by small size, oblong shape and greenish-brown hue.
Scientists have found that the first mention of fennel found in the books of ancient India. Even then it was used as a seasoning for dishes, which not only improves their taste, but also protects against many diseases. In ancient Greece and Ancient Rome, the plant was used after a meal to breath freshness and improve digestion. In the Middle Ages, the spice is spread in Europe and begins to be grown in the field.
Use and chemical composition
- The composition of the seasoning includes a large number of antioxidants, which are an excellent tool for the prevention of cancer.
- Fennel has an anti-inflammatory effect and helps eliminate high levels of cholesterol in the blood.
- The use of seasoning in the daily diet has a beneficial effect in the treatment of pneumonia, bronchitis and hepatitis.
- Fennel is an indispensable tool in the desire to preserve the vigilance of the eyes, strengthen the hair roots and improve memory.
- A pleasant feature of the spice is the ability to accelerate metabolism, stabilize blood sugar levels, thereby reducing the desire to eat sweets and flour. That is why seasoning is so popular among those who want to lose weight.
- Experts have proven that the properties of fennel are also useful for the care of mature skin. Phytoestrogens contained in its composition are indispensable for eliminating wrinkles and skin pigmentation disorders.
- This spice is able to treat alcohol poisoning, as it neutralizes toxins and carcinogens in the blood.
The spice is rich in minerals, among which are calcium, magnesium, iron, zinc and chromium. It contains vitamins of groups A, B and C, as well as a significant amount of essential oils.
Harm and contraindications
The risk of using fennel exists in cases of intolerance to this product by the body. It is contraindicated in pregnant women, as it can cause unwanted spasms. It is not recommended to combine fennel with other diuretic drugs, as they enhance the effect, which adversely affects the human well-being.
The components of the essential oils of fennel overdose are dangerous: they cause breathing problems, heart palpitations and bleeding. Therefore it is important to use seasoning in moderation.
Food intake
Fennel spice has a sweet and spicy taste, but with a small bit of bitterness. It is popular in Mediterranean, Arabic, Indian and Chinese cuisines. Fennel is also popular among confectioners. Crushed seeds are usually added to the dough, and whole ones are decorated with buns and cookies.
Often used in meat and fish dishes, less often in soups and salads. The most popular seasoning is used in the preparation of pork, carp and pike.. To reveal the flavor of the seasoning, it can be heated in a frying pan or lightly rubbed with your fingers. It is worth remembering that the seeds are used in the ratio of 3-4g spices per 1 kg of meat.
In India, it is customary to feed fennel seeds after a heavy meal to improve digestion and breath freshness. Since the seasoning goes well with other spices, it was included in such mixtures as curry, European and olive.
Use in traditional medicine
Fennel seeds are popular in home use, as they are a cure for many diseases. It has long been noted that it is useful to add spice to dishes at a rich feast, as it improves digestion and helps to remove toxins from the body.
Known and soothing effect of fennel. Its pleasant smell helps to reduce irritability and calm the nerves. It is recommended for use and application to people who experience daily stress at work.
For those who want to lose weight, this seasoning is also indispensable, as it dulls the feeling of hunger and helps you quickly feel satiety. In addition, it nourishes the body with useful microelements, which a person lacks with limited nutrition.
How to prepare?
In order to dry the fennel seeds, it is necessary:
- Cut inflorescences (called umbrellas).
- Put them in a dry dark place (for 2-3 days).
- Dried inflorescences rub between the palms above the newspaper so that the seeds are separated from the stem.
- Peel the seeds from the husk.
- Pour the fennel seeds in a jar with a tight lid.
How to choose and where to buy?
When buying seasonings in the form of seeds should pay attention to their appearance. They should be light brown in color, dense structure, with pronounced streaks.
You can buy dried seasoning in any supermarketas well as in the product markets. The price for 100 grams of spices was established in the interval from 80 to 120 rubles in Moscow and from 70 to 100 rubles in St. Petersburg.
Thus, fennel can safely be called indispensable in the kitchen of any hostess. It gives an exquisite taste to dishes and has a wide range of beneficial properties for the body. It is necessary for people of any age, everyone will find in it a remedy for many ailments.
