How to Use Fennel

Overview

Fennel is a bulb plant, similar to onions, with a taste that resembles licorice. Both the bulb and the seed are used to spice up recipes. Fennel is used most often in Mediterranean cooking, but either the seed or the sliced bulb can be added to a variety of recipes. Fennel bulbs are found in the produce sections of grocery stores, while the seeds are found in the spice aisle.

Prepare a Fennel Bulb

Step 1

Slice off the green stalks and the root end of the fennel bulb.

Step 2

Remove the outer layers of the fennel bulb until you reach the creamy, white center of the bulb.

Step 3

Slice the fennel bulb in half.

Use Fennel

Step 1

Slice the fennel bulb into matchsticks. Use the matchsticks in salads or eat raw, like celery.

Step 2

Dice the fennel bulb to add flavor to soups and stews.

Step 3

Add fennel seeds to cheese spreads or as a condiment sprinkled over fresh, cooked vegetables.