What Does Fennel Taste Like?

Two Fennel bulbs on wooden board

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The burning question is…what does fennel taste like?

Fennel is a vegetable with a flavor profile that’s just as intriguing as it is versatile. Imagine the crisp crunch of celery mingled with a subtle hint of licorice with a slight undertone of sweet anise. The fennel bulb can be eaten raw or cooked โ€” both have their perks! 

Its taste is often described as fresh and slightly sweet, with a delicate spiciness that can add depth to a wide range of dishes. 

Whether enjoyed raw in salads, roasted to bring out its natural sugars, or simmered in soups, fennelโ€™s unique flavor makes it a delightful addition to a handful of dishes. 

Curious to learn  more? Letโ€™s dive into the fascinating taste of fennel and explore how it can transform your meals.

What is Fennel?

Fennel belongs to the Apiaceae family, which also includes carrots, celery, and parsley. It is characterized by its bulbous base, feathery green fronds, and slender stalks, all of which are edible.

Native to the Mediterranean region, fennel has a distinctive flavor, adding a unique touch to both sweet and savory dishes. 

Its culinary uses span a wide range, from raw in salads and slaws to roasted or sautรฉed as a side dish, and even used as a seasoning in spice blends. 

Beyond its flavor, fennel is also prized for its health benefits, including its high fiber content and antioxidant properties.

After you understand what fennel is the next question ensues…what does fennel taste like?

Vertical image of fennel

Is Fennel a Vegetable or an Herb?

Fennel is actually a bit of both! Itโ€™s considered a vegetable when you use the bulbous base. This part of the fennel plant is often used in salads, roasted dishes, or soups. 

On the other hand, the fronds and seeds of fennel are classified as an herb. The fronds, with their feathery appearance, are used as a fresh garnish or in cooking for their aromatic qualities. Seeds are used as a spice in various cuisines for their distinct, licorice-like flavor. 

So, fennel straddles the line between vegetable and herb, making it a wonderfully versatile ingredient in the kitchen.

What are Fennel Fronds?

Fennel fronds up close

Fennel fronds are the delicate, feathery, green, fern-like leaves that grow on top of the fennel bulb. They resemble the appearance of dill. They are often used as an herb in cooking. 

Fronds add a fresh, herbal note to dishes, with a subtle hint of fennel’s characteristic anise flavor. They can be used as a garnish, incorporated into salads, or mixed into various dishes for added flavor and a touch of color. 

What Parts of Fresh Fennel Can You Eat?

Fennel cut at the bulb

As weโ€™ve mentioned, fresh fennel is a very versatile plant, and nearly every part is edible. Each part of the fennel plant brings its own unique flavor and texture. Below is a breakdown of the parts you can enjoy:

Fennel Bulb: The bulb is the large, rounded base of the fennel plant and is often used in cooking. It has a crisp texture and a mildly sweet, anise-like flavor. You can eat it raw in salads, roasted, sautรฉed, or even braised.

Fennel Fronds: The feathery, green leaves of fennel, known as fronds, are used as a fresh herb. They add a light, herbal flavor to dishes and are great for garnishing salads, soups, and seafood.

Fennel Stalks: The tall, thin stalks that support the fronds are also edible. While they are not as commonly used as the bulb and fronds, they can be added to stocks and broths for extra flavor or used as a base for roasting other vegetables.

Fennel Seeds: Although not part of the fresh plant, fennel seeds are the dried seeds of the fennel flower. They have a stronger anise flavor and are used as a spice in various dishes, from spice blends to baked goods.

How to Select and Store Fennel

Selecting and storing fennel properly will help ensure that you get the best flavor and freshness. Hereโ€™s a guide to help you with both:

How To Select

Choosing the perfect fennel involves a few key considerations to ensure you get the freshest and most flavorful bulb:

Look for Firmness: Choose fennel bulbs that feel solid and firm to the touch. 

Check for Freshness: The bulb should have a crisp texture and a clean, white appearance. Fresh fennel will have a pleasant, slightly sweet aroma. 

Inspect the Fronds: The green fronds should be vibrant and feathery, not wilted or brown. Fresh fronds indicate that the fennel is still in good condition.

Assess the Size: While fennel bulbs come in various sizes, choose bulbs that are medium to large for the best flavor and texture. Smaller bulbs can sometimes be more tender, but larger ones typically offer a better yield.

Check the Stalks: The stalks should be crisp and not overly dried out. They should be green and firm, not yellowed or brittle.

How To Store

Storing fennel properly helps maintain its freshness and flavor. Find some tips and suggestions below to keep your fennel fresh:

Refrigeration: Store fennel in the refrigerator to keep it fresh for a longer period. Place it in the crisper drawer, where the temperature and humidity are more controlled. 

Avoid Moisture: Excess moisture can cause fennel to spoil faster, so ensure itโ€™s dry before storing and avoid washing it until youโ€™re ready to use it.

Keep it Whole: If youโ€™re not using the fennel immediately, keep it whole with the fronds attached. This helps prevent it from drying out. Wrap the fennel bulb loosely in a paper towel or plastic wrap to maintain moisture.

Cut Fennel: If youโ€™ve already cut or sliced the fennel bulb, store the remaining pieces in an airtight container or wrap them tightly in plastic wrap. Use the cut fennel within a few days for the best flavor and texture.

Fennel being wrapped in plastic wrap

Freezing: For long-term storage, fennel can be frozen, but this will change its texture. To freeze, blanch the fennel bulbs in boiling water for a few minutes, then quickly transfer them to an ice bath. Drain and lay out the cut fennel on a sheet pan to dry. Make sure to pat dry before placing them in an airtight freezer bag or container. Frozen fennel is best used in cooked dishes.

Cut Fennel on Sheet pan

How To Cut Fennel

Donโ€™t let cutting a fennel scare you! We have some easy tips and tricks that will help you and cut like a pro. Hereโ€™s a step-by-step guide to prepare fennel:

Collage of how to cut fennel

Wash the Fennel: Rinse the fennel bulb under cold water to remove any dirt or debris. Pat it dry with a clean towel.

Remove the Fronds: Use a sharp knife to cut off the feathery fronds from the top of the bulb. Set the fronds aside if you plan to use them as a garnish or in your recipe.

Trim the Stalks: Cut off the stalks from the bulb. These can be used in stocks.

Slice the Bulb: Place the bulb on a cutting board, flat side down for stability. Slice the bulb in half lengthwise through the core.

Remove the Core: Each half will have a tough, triangular core at the base. Use your knife to cut this core out by making a diagonal cut on each half. Remove and discard the core.

Cut into Desired Shapes:

  • For Slices: Lay each half flat on the cutting board and slice it crosswise into thin or thick slices, depending on your recipe.
  • For Dicing: After slicing, gather the slices and cut them into small cubes or dice.
  • For Shredding: If you need shredded fennel, you can use a mandoline or a box grater to grate the bulb into thin strips.

Fennel Recipes We Love

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About Kristin

Kristin Ahaus is the Director of Content and Communications for The Produce Moms. Her focus and passion is helping all of TPM's brand partners share their stories while also helping consumers understand how to select, serve and store fresh produce. Connect with Kristin on LinkedIN.

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