Organic Fennel

Fennel is usually used in Italian cooking and is a favorite in Mediterranean cuisine. It has a white bulb from where its stalks overlap one another. Fluffy green leaves top these stalks, on which you can find the flowers that give fennel seeds. All parts of the fennel are edible and give an aromatic taste, similar to licorice and anise. It has a texture resembling celery, which is crunchy and striated.

Most fennels at the market are most likely free from harmful chemicals because fennel has distinctive aroma that will chase away most insects. However, it is the same as certified organic fennels. You can be sure that organic fennel is certainly free of pesticides.

What to look for?

• Buy fennel that has a bulb which is clean and solid, without any splitting, spotting or bruising. Choose bulbs that are preferably white or light green in color, while the stalks are straight and overlap its bulb.
• The stalks should not spread out to the side too much or should there be any flowering buds. Such bulbs have passed its full bloom. Fennel is found mostly from autumn to early spring.

Storage and preparation tips

• It is always better to eat fennel as soon as it is bought because over time it loses its flavor. It is possible to store crisp fennel in the refrigerator for about four days
• It is possible to store fennel seeds that have been dried in a vacuum packed container for a maximum of six months, as long as it is stored in a cool and dry place. However, they can stay longer if stored in the fridge
• When using the bulb, it has to be cut into half and its base removed and rinsed before cutting anymore. It is possible to cut fennel into different sizes and shapes, depending on the recipe. Nevertheless, it is always best when sliced vertically
• If fennel has to be chunked, julienned or diced, it is better to remove the hard core in its centre before cutting
• Fennel leaves are best as herb seasoning and it stalks, in soups, stews and stocks

Cooking and use of fennel:

Fennel goes well with fish, especially salmon. Its flavor merges well with lemon juice, cucumbers, bourbons and Parmesan. Fennel stalks are tougher than bulb. They are often used in braised fennel dishes. Fennel fronds are used in many dishes such as roasted fish and pesto.

Fennel Nutrition Facts

Like most spices, fennel has phytonutrients like rutin and quercitin that gives it its strong antioxidant activity. Anethole is the most fascinating phytonutrieint of fennel because it helps reduce inflammation and the occurrence of cancer.