I came across a recipe on Reboot with Joe that featured fennel. Now, I’ve been an advocate of fennel seeds instead of gum for awhile. They are a perfect solution for those of us who don’t like chewing like a cow for fresh breath. I’ve also had fennel in salads, but as a juice? I knew I had to try it out for myself!
In addition to wanting to try that subtle anise flavor in a juice, I also wanted to know what, if any, health benefits came from juicing fennel. It turns out that fennel is in the same family as celery and celery have tons of health benefits, too. Juicing fennel can help to:
- Calm digestion
- Soothe intestinal cramps, bloating and flatulence
- Reduce inflammation
- Release “feel good” endorphins into the bloodstream
- Provide lots of vitamins and minerals including: B, C, E, beta-carotine, calcium, chromium, cobalt, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, potassium, selenium, silicon, sodium, zinc
Ginger also has some amazing health benefits:
- Treat coughs and colds
- Fight inflammation
- Reduce menstrual cramps
- Relieve nausea
- Relieve morning sickness naturally
- Improve digestion
- Fight fatigue
- Treat general pains
In all, this is a pretty powerful juice if you’re having any kind of digestive issues or stomach pains as it can help alleviate that while providing lots of great vitamins and minerals.
I’ve adapted this recipe slightly, and it turned out great. Sean and I both enjoyed the clean, bright flavors of the fennel and how it combined with the ginger for a nice little bite. We added a splash of sparkling water for a little effervescence. Yum!
- 1 fennel bulb with leaves and stems
- 2 pears
- 1 thumb-sized piece of ginger
- 1 apple
- Sparkling water (optional)
- Put the first four ingredients through your juicer (yes, you can juice all parts of the fennel!)
- Pour juice over ice and top with sparking water for an effervescent treat
- Use all organic ingredients if possible
on LOVE this article. We somteimes shop at a local farmer’s market during the growing season,… on I second the recommendations to nurse until your child self-weans and then try goat’s milk;… on