Fennel – History

Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare) has occupied a remarkably rich place in human history for well over two millennia, moving with ease between the worlds of food, medicine, ritual, folklore, and magic. Far from being merely a culinary herb, fennel has long been regarded as a...

Fennel – Traditional (Maltese) uses

As an infusion To cure inflamed eyes Helps with lactation Boiled (seed). “The mother will continue drinking the herbal tea made from the seed of the herb, she will flush away the water retention and for the baby when he is breastfeeding it will help him a lot with gas...

Nettle Pesto and Wild Asparagus Timbales

Spring foraging brings wild plants directly from the countryside to the kitchen. In Malta, Warren J Bugeja, expert of our Maltese partner organisation explores this tradition through seasonal ingredients including young nettles and wild asparagus. His recipe combines...

Thyme – History

In Malta, Thyme shrubs were collected as firewood and to decorate nativity cribs during Christmas. The herb is now protected by law and together with fennel is the smell of the Maltese countryside. The earliest known references to thyme date to ancient Sumeria over...

St John’s Wort in Popular Culture

From a poem in a manuscript dating back to 1400: St. John’s wort doth charm all witches away If gathered at midnight on the saint’s holy day. Any devils and witches have no power to harm Those that gather the plant for a charm: Rub the lintels and post with that red...