The FENNEL countdown to the last frost of the season is nearing!

With spring around the corner, it’s almost time to start planting those fennel seeds! Fennel is a versatile plant that has a white bulb, similar in appearance to an onion, and a stalk and leafy greens which resemble celery. There are two varieties of fennel, Florence and sweet. Florence fennel, grown as a veggie, is also called ‘bulb fennel’ because of its bulb-shaped bottom. Sweet fennel is grown as an herb for its seeds. This crunchy veggie is said to taste similar to licorice and is in the same family as celery, carrots, parsley, and dill.

This delicious veggie is rich in fiber, vitamin A, C, B9 and B6 as well as different minerals like potassium, manganese, phosphorus, calcium, iron, and copper. These nutrients make fennel good for our eyesight, immune system, energy metabolism, cell protection, bone health, and much more. All parts of the fennel plant are rich in powerful antioxidants, making this a mighty veggie that you’ll want to try.

Fennel is extremely versatile because you can eat the bulb, shoots, leaves and seeds. When choosing fennel, select those that are firm, crisp and pale around the bulbs with big, feathery leaves. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Due to its versatility, fennel can be used to prepare an assortment of dishes. Use the bulb to add to salads, roast them (the flavor will become sweet and mild), make a relish, braise them, add to stuffing, pizza or soups and sauces. Fennel seeds can be used when pickling foods, added to soups and stocks, salad, breads, cheese, meat mixtures, or even stews or casseroles. Don’t forget about those leaves! They can be used for salads, soups , herbal teas, and other dishes.

In the garden, fully mature fennel can grow to several feet in height! It is ready to harvest in about 90 days and the bulb should be the size of a tennis ball. Add some fennel to your garden this year – It’s a great way to add some color and texture!