Fennel, sometimes called fennel bulb, is a vegetable related to the herb, fennel. It’s one of those lesser-known items you might see in the produce section and completely miss. It offers a lot of cool uses and has a unique history.
Fun Facts About the History of Fennel
- Ancient Greeks and Romans used it as insect repellant.
- It often serves as a host plan for black swallowtail butterfly larvae.
- It was believed to have magic powers in medieval times. In fact, fennel was jammed in keyholes to keep malevolent spirits out of the house.
- More than 3,000 years before Christ was born, the Mesopotamian people used fennel as medicine.
- From Bolivia to China, the vegetable is used as medicine to this day.
Nutrition Facts on this Veggie from the Carrot Family
- Along with carrots, fennel is a sister-veggie to dill and parsley. Its long stalks grow above the ground, though, unlike some of its relatives.
- Fennel has allelopathic effects, so it’s better in a pot or planter – or a back corner of your garden. It can inhibit other plants and cross-pollinate with ones like dill.
- All parts of the fennel plant are edible.
- Although much more delicate, fennel has a similar taste to anise. They are completely different plants.
Cool Ways to Use Fennel in Your Cooking
- The USDA calls it a superfood because nothing has the same level of dietary fiber as fennel.
- Once mature, fennel stems are hollow. You can make them into straws and enjoy a faint licorice overtone with your beverage.
- The bulb of the plant is delicious when shaved very thinly and made into a slaw.
- Use the shaved vegetable as a bed; place fish or seafood on it and roast it.
- Cut the bulb into wedges, brush with oil and then grill or roast the wedges. With a bit of salt and pepper, it makes a tasty vegetable side dish.
- Fennel is a good source of vitamins A, B and C and plenty of potassium, calcium, iron, phosphorous and copper.
Recipes: Give Fennel a Try
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Cami Jacobsen RD, LD, a registered dietitian with Avera Medical Group Comprehensive Weight Management, contributed to this story.
