Fennel bulb also known as Sweet Anise has a sweet, mild licorice flavor. This is a popular European vegetable, especially in Italy and France. Not to be confused with herb anise, which is grown for its seeds which are sold as a seasoning.
The feathery fronds that grow above the bulb can be used as an herb, like dill weed, to flavor soups and stews. The broad bulbous base is treated like a vegetable and can be used raw, thinly sliced in salads or sliced and cooked.
This is a common vegetable available in most grocery stores. Look for fresh, feathery greens and firm bulbs. Avoid bulbs with brown spots.
Convert fennel bulb from grams to cups
If you need an alternative for fennel bulb you can substitute per pound needed:
1 lb of celery (more aromatic, cooks faster) + 1 tsp fennel seed or 1 tbsp Pernod (liqueur) OR> 1 lb bok choy stems + 1 tsp fennel seed or 1 tbsp Pernod