Fennel, Lemon and Thyme: What a Trio!

Seasonal fruits and vegetables

OCTOBER: It’s fennel time!

Fennel is a versatile aromatic plant, with a flavor reminiscent of anise and licorice.

Like these last, it’s a powerful carminative: it helps reduce bloating, promotes diuresis, facilitates digestion, combats and prevents intestinal gas. Our Grandmas recommended consuming it while breastfeeding to increase milk production, and prevent colic in newborns.

All parts of the fennel can be used in the kitchen. The while bulb of the fennel can be eaten raw, boiled, or cooked au gratin, while its seeds (diacheni) are excellent for flavoring cheese, salads, grilled foods, and breads (think about delicious taralli from Puglia).

Fennel flowers are among the secrets behind the unique flavor of the famous porchetta from Ariccia.

In traditional Chinese medicine, fennel is used to relieve congestion and conjunctivitis, while a tisane made from its seeds is prescribed to treat insect and snake bites, in addition to indigestion and sore throats.

Fennel only has 9 kcal per 100g, but contains 17% of the daily recommended dose of vitamin C, prevents free radicals and inflammation, is rich in potassium, reduces cholesterol and relieves irritable bowel conditions.

Little known facts

The Italian expression “farsi infinocchiare” (getting hoodwinked) derives from the old wine sellers’ practice of offering small pieces of fennel to perspective wine buyers. The aroma of fennel can in fact fool the palate and make even the worst wine taste good.

Fennel, Lemon and Thyme

Fennel thyme and lemon

This trio this will bring you many satisfactions in October, both in the kitchen and in your home SPA.

These 3 ingredients combination can be used to quickly prepare a light side dish, and to make your skin silkier and more elastic.

Let’s discover how, together.

Fennel, Thyme and Lemon Skin Toner

Fennel softens the skin, relieves puffiness, has proven anti-aging properties, and erases the signs of fatigue and irritation in the area around the eyes and, in combination with thyme and lemon juice, firms up your skin.

We are certain that after applying this home beauty remedy, you will glow enough to illuminate even the gloomiest days of autumn.

Be sure to keep on hand

  • 2 fennel bulbs
  • 3 tablespoons LIMMI lemon juice
  • 2 sprigs of thyme
  • ½ cup of water

After boiling and pureeing both fennel bulbs, place them in a pan, and add the thyme and water (to liquefy the fennel pulp as much as possible). Turn the burner off, then add the lemon juice, and let it rest for 15 minutes.

Filter and pour the mixture into a bottle. Apply the toner using a cotton ball (best when cold, straight out of the refrigerator). Its wonderful scent will help relieve stress and tension.

Keep it in the refrigerator, up to a maximum of 10 days.

If you have leftover ingredients, go ahead and prepare this tasty recipe (aside), you can serve as a side dish or appetizer (no eyes involved ehehe).

Baked Fennel with Lemon

Fennel, thyme and lemon form the perfect triad for lightening-up dark circles and relieve under-eye puffiness. But what happens if we bow to tradition and put them in our tummy instead of on our face?

Tickle your appetite with this super easy recipe. With only 3 ingredients you can make a refined aromatic appetizer, or side dish.

Ingredients

  • 4 fennel bulbs
  • 2 sprigs of thyme
  • 4 tablespoons LIMMI lemon juice
  • salt to taste
  • extra virgin olive oil

Thoroughly clean and wash the fennels, cut them into strips, and place them in a baking dish. Sprinkle the top with thyme leaves, drizzle olive oil and lemon juice over it, and add salt to taste. Pre-heat the oven at 200˚ C and bake for about 30 minutes.