I am the seed of all time. Today I am used in stone ground crackers, but I date back to the Stone Age over 5000 years ago. In fact, I was one of the first spices ever used. Technically I am a fruit, grown like an herb, but used as a spice. Originally cultivated in Asia and Europe, I can also be found I growing wild in Canada and the U.S. The Egyptians thought I warded off evil spirits, and many thought I had the power to retain things like a thief in the night, or prevent fowl from flying off, and even keep lovers from being fickle. That's why I was used in love potions. My fruit is harvested for my so-called "seeds". I am a member of a group of aromatic, umbelliferous plants, and am characterized by my carminative, vermifuge, antispasmodic, stomachic, and stimulant properties. I'll bet that Hanna-Barbara didn't know that Fred Flinestone used me as a seasoning on his brontosaurus burgers and that helped everybody because it relieved his gas. Wilma and Betty depended on me to ease coughs and colds. Even Dino would consume me while grazing to help prevent worms. Along with sarsaparilla I am one of the three major ingredients in the famous ale of the eccentric Dr. Butler. Used to flavor liquor and liqueurs like gin and schnapps. My "seeds" are used to flavor candy, mouthwash, ice cream, bread, potatoes, vegetables, and pickles. Some say my "seeds" have a licorice flavor, others say a mild spicy taste with a hint of dill or mint. My roots are thick and tapering like a parsnip, but are more tender and taste better. My leaves resemble carrot tops and can be used in salads or as a seasoning in stews and soups. Parkinson said "It is also made into comfites and taken for cold or wind in the body, which also are served to the table with fruit." I am used in perfumes, soaps, creams, and lotions. But whether you call me a vegetable, a green, a seed, or fruit, I am high in potassium and calcium and three other major minerals. And once the oil is taken from my "seeds" they become very high in protein and fat. You will often find me caught in the rye.
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