Fennel

Also known as Sweet Anise, Fennel is an Italian favorite with a sweet licorice flavor.  The licorice flavor mellows with cooking, so give it a try!

Storage and Handling:

Cut off the stalks that stick out from the bulb, put the bulb in a loosely closed plastic bag in your refrigerator crisper drawer for up to a week.  If you like to use the fronds on the stalk as an herb, put the stalks in a glass with about 2 inches of water, cover the glass with a plastic bag and store in your fridge for up to 5 days.

Culinary Uses:

Fennel is versatile and can be prepared many ways.  It’s a refreshing addition to a salad, thinly sliced.  It can also be roasted in a high heat oven, slowly sautéed, fried, braised, and layered into gratins.