Fennel
Fennel is a good deal used, in continental Europe, in soups, fish-sauces, garnishes, and salads. It is also considerably used in England, but less with us. The Italians blanch and eat the stalks like celery. A little fennel seed sometimes gives an agreeable variety in flavoring applesauce and pies. But it is most used medicinally. The seeds are carminative and stimulant, and in an infusion are excellent for the flatulent colic of infants.
[Thomas Stuart McFarland, a farmer near Belgrade, Newton County, in southeast Texas, reported that he had sweet fennel in his garden as of April 16, 1840.]