FENNEL
FOENICULUM VULGARE
FRAUD IS THE MOST HEINOUS OF SINS, for it is committed by those on whom you have placed your trust. In Dante’s eighth circle we meet Geyron, with the face of an honest man and the body of a serpent, watching over those who have cheated others.
Ancient folklore calls fennel the herb of snakes as snakes rub against it to sharpen their eyesight. Myth also has it that Prometheus used a fennel stalk as the torch when he stole fire from the gods and brought it to earth
INTERESTING FACT - Marathon, or “fennel field,” is the name of the bay where in 409BC the Greeks defeated the powerful invading Persian force that outnumbered them. It is from this fennel field that Pheidippides ran the forty kilometer distance to inform Athenians of their victory before collapsing to death, and in the process laying the ground and inspiration for the modern sporting race.
OTHER USES - With a flavour similar to that of liquorice, but both sweeter and lighter,making it a perfect addition to your simple syrups.
FENNEL SIMPLE SYRUP
INGREDIENTS: 250ml Water 200g Sugar 1 Bunch Fennel Fronds
METHOD: Combine the water and sugar in a pot and slowly bring to a boil until all the sugar is dissolved. Remove from the heat and submerge the fennel until the whole mixture cools down. Strain the syrup into a bottle and refrigerate,