Fennel bulb

photo credit: gourmetsleuth

Other Names:anise, sweet anise, finocchio

What is Fennel bulb

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.

Where To Buy

This is a common vegetable available in most grocery stores. Look for fresh, feathery greens and firm bulbs. Avoid bulbs with brown spots.

Conversions

Convert fennel bulb from grams to cups

Substitute for Fennel bulb

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

Equivalents

1 cup sliced = 3 ounces
1 bulb = 2 2/3 cups slices
1 lb = 3 cups sliced
1 cup sliced = 87g

Stalk Vegetables

How To Clean And Slice A Fennel Bulb

First you need to cut away the bulb by cutting it just above the bulb. You can use the fronds for garnish or any purpose you wish or compost them.
Now slice away the core right at the bottom of the bulb.
Discard any outer leaves that are damaged.
Sit the bulb on its end and slice vertically (width-wise) through the bulb.
With the cut side facing you look at the core and if it looks thick and woody then you can remove it by making a v-shape cut and remove the core. If it's small just leave it.
To slice for salad slice each half thinly width-wise. If you're going to braise the pieces you can slice it in quarters, length-wise. See a video here.

Nutrition Information For Fennel bulb

Serving Size

1 cup, sliced

Calories

Calories from Fat

% Daily Value^*

Total Fat 0g

Saturated Fat 0g

Cholesterol 0mg

Sodium 45mg

Potassium

360g

10%

Total Carbohydrate 6g

Dietary Fiber 3g

10%

Sugars 0g

Protein 1g

Vitamin A 0%	•	Vitamin C 0%
Calcium 0%	•	Iron 0%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

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