In the 13th century, the word "fennel" first entered in the English language. The word fennel originates from the Latin word foeniculum, which meaning "little hay." It was initially used to describe a scented grass with insect repellent properties. Fennel is commonly referred to as "anise" or "dill." This misunderstanding may be found in many languages and stems from the similarities in shape and function between these three Apiaceae species. Only fennel, however, is utilized as a vegetable. Fennel has been consumed throughout southern Europe and Asia Minor since ancient times, where it still grows wild on stony and arid terrain. It was popular among the Greeks and Romans after being cultivated by the Egyptians. It was employed by the latter for its medical powers, particularly as an antidote to scorpion stings, snake bites, and dog bites. The complex symbolism that surrounds this plant allows us to assess the significance it has acquired over time. As a result, worshipers of the deity Sabazios in ancient Phrygia ornamented them during ceremonial rites. Humans were given knowledge of Olympus via a hot coal hidden in a fennel stalk, according to Greek mythology. Finally, it was one of the nine sacred plants used by the old Anglo-Saxons to combat the nine probable causes of sickness. However, the fennel bulb as we know it now (which is more of a bulge at the base of the stem than a bulb) does not occur in the wild. It is the result of a lengthy selection process carried out by the Italians, most likely in Sicily, where it is used in a variety of traditional meals. This subspecies (F. vulgare var. Azoricum) was solely grown in the Mediterranean region until recently. Because the plant is photoperiod sensitive, it easily went to seed in northern latitudes. After types were chosen to endure the longer days of northern summers in the 1970s, the situation altered. Its culture has now extended throughout the United States, Northern Europe, and the United Kingdom. Italy continues to be the country where the most is eaten, produced, and exported.