Agricultural Information:

Family: Apiaceae
Scientific name: Foeniculum vulgare

Fennel is a fragrant plant with feathery leaves, yellow flowers, and a crisp white bulb. The word “fennel” comes from a Latin word meaning “little hay,” referring to its feathery leaves. Originally cultivated in the southern Mediterranean region and southwestern Asia, it is known for its mild licorice-like smell and flavor.

Fennel is an allelopathic plant meaning that it releases natural chemicals into the soil that can slow the growth of nearby plants, so it should be planted away from other crops.

All parts of the fennel plant are used culinarily with the bulb eaten raw sliced thinly into salads or sauteed, roasted and braised. The seeds and leaves are used to flavor fish, soups and salads.

Halachic Information:

Kilei zera’im & kilei hakerem*: Fennel is classified as a vegetable. Therefore, it should not be planted near other annuals or a grapevine.

*Kilei zera’im & kilei hakerem (interplanting – annuals & grapevines) generally do not apply outside of the land of Israel; the following laws apply only within the land of Israel.

Information about plants as they relate to torah and mitzvot has been generously provided by Mercaz Torah VeHa’aretz Institute.