Thought to have originated in Southern Europe Mediterranean regions, it is a staple in popular Chinese, Italian, Mediterranean, and Scandinavian cuisines. A.k.a "marathron" Fennel is a perennial herb with mild yet distinctive licorice flavor and fragrance. It is slowly becoming more popular. A.k.a Anise Nutrition: High in Vitamin C (17% DV), Fiber, manganese, calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, and copper. The fronds above the Fennel bulbs contain: pantothenic acid, pyridoxine (vitamin B6), niacin, riboflavin, and thiamin. Medicinal: Ancient Chinese medicine found beneficial uses for the herb, from congestion to conjunctivitis, to stimulating the appetite and increase flow of breast milk. Essential Fennel oil provides relief from upset stomach, and tea made from ground Fennel seeds is believed to heal from snake bites, insect bites, food poisoning, soothing a sore throat.