Collecting fennel pollen

At this time of year the fennel is in full flower and the flowers are heavy with pollen spreading their scent all over the garden attracting a multitude of flying insects.

If you have not tried to eat the flowers before then do as they have an incredible sweetness

The pollen s simple to collect, just take off the heads, shake off any insects that are in residence and rub the individual flowers between your fingers into a container. The pollen drops out easily

Once you have it collected it seems to keep fine in a sterilised jar. We plan to use it in dressings with fish and maybe into a fennel pollen and lemon ice cream