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Home > Explore an Ingredient > Fennel

Fennel

Seasonality

Fall/Spring

Quick Tips

How to cook fennel

If purchasing from a store, most likely you will find the bulb separate from the fronds and stalk. The bulb can be thinly shaved and eaten raw in salads, or can be cooked by way of roasting, sautéing, braising, pickling, or grilling.

How to buy fennel

Look for fennel that has fist-sized bulbs free of markings, scratches, or browning. The smaller bulbs have a milder flavor and delicate texture. I prefer to buy fennel with the fronds still attached, as this is an indication of freshness. Bulbs that look wrinkly are old and should be avoided.

How to store fennel

Store in a container in the refrigerator with a damp tea towel up to a week, or upright in a container of water on the counter for a couple of days.

Varieties

Bulb/Florence- grown for the bulb
Sweet- grown for the herb

About

Fennel is part of the flowering Apiacaea family that includes carrots and celery, along with herbs and spices such as cumin, dill, cilantro, and parsley. This extensive family is unique in that each plant has a few different uses, fennel being no exception. The flavor of the fennel is warm and akin to that of liquorice or anise. However, the flavor is not overpowering and can be a nice addition to other herbs and vegetables. The fennel bulb does have a core, but unless the bulb did not have suitable growing conditions that caused it to bolt, you can cook the core.

The fronds of fennel can be used as a garnishing herb, while the stalks and bulb make a wonderful treat cooked or raw. You can also buy fennel seeds in the spice section, which makes a great addition to herb and spice blends.

 All Vegetarian Fennel Recipes

  • Cherry Salad with Quinoa and Fennel
    Cherry Salad with Quinoa and Fennel
  • Fennel with Turnip Greens
    Fennel with Turnip Greens
  • Grapefruit Salad with Sesame Pistachios
    Grapefruit Salad with Sesame Pistachios
  • Grilled Fennel Salad with Orzo and White Beans
    Grilled Fennel Salad with Orzo and White Beans
  • Mediterranean Einkorn Pasta
    Mediterranean Einkorn Pasta
  • Polenta with Peas, Fennel, and Almonds
    Polenta with Peas, Fennel, and Almonds
  • Raw Asparagus Fennel Salad and Khorsan Wheat
    Raw Asparagus Fennel Salad and Khorsan Wheat
  • Roasted Fennel and Cauliflower with Chickpeas
    Roasted Fennel and Cauliflower with Chickpeas
  • Spinach Fennel Pizza
    Spinach Fennel Pizza
  • Spring Panzanella with Peas and Fennel
    Spring Panzanella with Peas and Fennel
  • White Bean Salad with Pea Shoots
    White Bean Salad with Pea Shoots
Fennel

Recent Recipes

  • Raw Asparagus Fennel Salad and Khorsan Wheat
    Raw Asparagus Fennel Salad and Khorsan Wheat
  • Spinach Fennel Pizza
    Spinach Fennel Pizza
  • White Bean Salad with Pea Shoots
    White Bean Salad with Pea Shoots

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