Fennel Bulb

What Is Fennel Bulb?

Fennel bulb (Foeniculum vulgare var. azoricum) is a white-greenish vegetable formed when the leaf bases of the fennel plant swell above ground and overlap each other. It is also known as “Florence fennel” or by its Italian name “finocchio”; unlike the fennel seed used as a spice, here it is the vegetable itself that is eaten.

It stands out for its crisp, juicy texture and its refreshing-sweetish taste reminiscent of anise. Crisp and cooling when eaten raw, it becomes a versatile vegetable that softens and sweetens naturally when cooked.

Nutritional Value of Fennel Bulb

Like juicy vegetables, fennel bulb is low in calories with approximately 31 kcal energy per 100 grams; it contains high water, vitamin C, potassium and fiber. Values are approximate, based on a similar profile.

What Are the Benefits of Fennel Bulb?

With its low calorie, high water and fiber content, fennel bulb can be considered part of a balanced, vegetable-forward diet.

This information is general; fennel bulb is a food, not a substitute for medical treatment.

How to Choose Fennel Bulb?

Good fennel bulb is a vegetable with a white-shiny, firm, crisp and crack-free bulb, with fresh-looking green fronds on top. Yellowed, softened and spotted samples are not preferred.

• Bulb should be white, firm and crisp
• Green fronds on top should be fresh
• Yellowed and softened samples should not be bought

How to Store Fennel Bulb?

Fennel bulb is stored in the vegetable drawer of the refrigerator for a few days; removing the long stalks on top and keeping them separate helps the bulb stay fresh longer. Since the cut surface can darken, it is lightly refreshed before use.

Using Fennel Bulb in the Kitchen

Fennel bulb is thinly sliced and used raw in salads (with orange and olive oil); it is also used baked, grilled, sautéed and as a garnish alongside fish. When cooked, its anise flavor softens and it gains a natural sweetness; its stalks and feathery leaves are also used for aroma.

How Is Fennel Bulb Cleaned?

The stalks on top and the outer layer, if tough-fibrous, are removed; the bulb is cut lengthwise, the tough core in the middle is removed, and it is thinly sliced. For salad, a brief soak in ice water increases its crispness.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are fennel bulb and fennel seed the same?

They come from the same plant but are used differently; fennel bulb is eaten as a vegetable, while fennel seed is used as a spice. Both have an anise-like aroma.

Can fennel bulb be eaten raw?

Yes; thinly sliced and eaten raw in salad, it is crisp and refreshing. When cooked, it softens and sweetens.

What does fennel bulb taste like?

It has a refreshing-sweetish taste reminiscent of anise; the aroma is pronounced when raw and softens when cooked.