Foods by Color: Fennel Recipes

Get ready for some delicious fennel recipes! From pasta to salad to soups, you are sure to find a fennel recipe that you love!

Have you tried fennel? I’m relatively new to eating and cooking fennel but I love most things I’ve tried them in. I especially love to caramelize fennel (with a dab of honey) and throw it on pizza. Fennel has a licorice-like flavor and is sometimes referred to as “sweet anise.” Fennel has a great crunch when eaten raw in salads and melts in your mouth when cooked.

Health Benefits

Fennel has some pretty unique health benefits. It has been shown to eliminate colic in 65 percent of infants in a randomized, placebo controlled study without any side effects reported. Fennel seed extract has also been shown to suppress the growth of certain tumors. Fennel is known for its soothing effect on digestion and the ability to relieve gas and help with cramps.

Selection and Storage

Fennel is available year round but is best between Fall through early Spring. When selecting fennel, choose firm, unblemished bulbs with bright green leaves. To store, refrigerate in a plastic bag for up to five days.