Wild Fennel

Intensely aromatic fennel grows wild all over Greece, in the south of Italy, and in many parts of California. Its thick fronds are added to spinach, green pies, stuffing for vegetables and grape leaves, and fish dishes. You occasionally find finocchio selvatico in American markets in May, and if you live in California you can forage with great success along the coast. If wild fennel is not available, substitute crushed fennel seeds combined with chopped fennel bulb and fronds.