Your Guide to Fabulous Fennel

Posted by Rebecca Bilodeau on Feb 21, 2016 2:30:00 PM

While working at a small, diversified farm in North Carolina, a member of the Boston Organics staff gave a tour to a group of elementary school students. The farm staff offered the kids small samples of the produce that was growing in the fields, including bits of fragrant fennel fronds. After chewing on the leaves, one of the students announced “This is the best licorice ever!” Though licorice, fennel and anise are all completely different plants, they all share a bit of that distinctive “licorice” flavor. And in general, we agree with that observant youngster; fennel is pretty awesome.

Fennel Facts

Boston Organics - Fennel

Fennel is native to the Mediterranean, and belongs to the family Apiaceae, which also includes carrots, dill, cilantro and parsley. Organic fennel is packed with vitamin C, and is thought to aid in digestion (you may have seen bowls of colorful sugar coated fennel seeds as you leave Indian restaurants). Its fresh, spicy flavor can be enjoyed by eating it cooked or raw. If you’d like to do some experimenting, we think that fennel pairs especially well with oranges or spring veggies. Below are a few of our favorite organic fennel recipes.

Couscous with Fennel, Chickpeas and Citrus

The fennel bulb and stalks take center stage in this filling recipe. Olives, oranges and couscous come together to give it a Mediterranean flavor.

Radicchio and Orange Salad

This simple salad has a perfect balance of sweet and tart, and shaved fennel adds a layer of earthy goodness.

Pasta with Snap Peas and Fennel

Celebrate spring with fresh, green ingredients, like snap peas, parsley and green onions. The fresh flavor of fennel helps clear away any winter blahs from your taste buds.

Warm White Beans with Roasted Fennel

Beans, greens and fennel make this a hearty, easy and delicious meal.

Roasted Orange Chicken with Fennel

This dish is flavorful and nourishing, and the caramelized slices of orange and fennel make it a visual, as well as culinary, knock-out.

Boston Organics - Couscous with Fennel, Chickpeas and Citrus

Taking Stalk

Some recipes may call for only the white fennel bulb, when in fact the whole plant—including the stalks and feathery frondsare edible. Snack on the stalks like you would celery (or dip it in some  beet hummus), or use the fronds as a tasty garnish. Leftover stalks also are a great addition to soup stocks, along with other kitchen scraps. Fennel fronds also make a flavorful addition to cocktails and aperetifs (which makes sense given its digestion-stimulating properties). Check out these suggestions for making fennel frond beverages.



Topics: Beneath The Peel / Digging Deeper, Organic Fennel, Original Boston Organics Blog

Fresh, organic produce
and groceries delivered
to your doorstep.

Unlike traditional farm share programs, we deliver year-round, we're extremely flexible and you get to pay as you go.

  • We don't charge you fees for any standard service offerings, including delivery to your doorstep.
  • There are no advance commitments. Only pay for what you receive.
  • We're all about serving the Boston Organics Community and we aim to please with our service guarantee.

Subscribe to Email Updates

Recent Posts

Posts by Topic

see all