Fennel is a flowering plant species in the carrot family. It is indigenous to the shores of the Mediterranean but has become widely naturalized in many parts of the world, especially on dry soils near the sea-coast and on riverbanks. Florence fennel or "finocchio" is a selection with a swollen, bulb-like stem base that is used as a vegetable. Fennel seed is highly nutritious. In a 100 gram amount, it provides 345 calories and is a rich source of protein, dietary fiber, B vitamins and several dietary minerals, especially calcium, iron, magnesium and manganese, all of which exceed 100% Daily Value. (DV)
