Fennel, Foeniculum vulgare, is a versatile and aromatic herb that belongs to the carrot family, known for its delicate anise-like flavor and feathery fronds. The culinary part of the plant is the swollen, bulbous root, with its wide white base, and it sports vibrant stalks with bright green leaves. Fresh fennel is enjoyed in both raw and cooked forms, offering a unique textural and flavor profile to any dish it is added to.
In home cooking, fresh fennel can be thinly sliced and added to salads, roasted, braised, or sautéed, and it can even be paired with fish, poultry, and pork dishes. Its sweet and licorice-like taste provides a compliment to citrus, herbaceous, and olive oil-based dressings. Rich in vitamin C, potassium, and dietary fiber, it adds a nutritious element to everyday meals.