Fennel
Estimated Inventory, 24 ct : 24.92
This item was last sold on : 11/01/26
Description/Taste
Fennel varies in size depending on maturity and age at harvest and is comprised of bulbs with straight, cylindrical, fleshy stems and frilly leaves. The bulbs are characteristically white to pale green and have a bulbous, swollen appearance. The stems are elongated, thick, and ribbed, revealing striated layers. Each stem is partially hollow, filled with a white pith, and grows upright, branching into a top of dark green feathery leaves that resemble dill. The leaves, also known as the fronds, are slender, delicate, light, and airy. Fennel bulbs and stems have a crisp, succulent, and slightly chewy consistency, while the leaves have a tender crunch. Once cooked, the bulbs soften and develop a soft, caramelized texture. Fennel is edible raw when young and releases an aromatic, green, fresh, anise-like fragrance. The bulbs and leaves have a sweet, subtly bitter, herbal, vegetal, and licorice-forward taste. In the later part of the plant’s life cycle, Fennel also produces edible yellow flowers and fruits, commonly called seeds. Both the flowers and fruits can be eaten raw or dried and have an anise-like flavor.
Seasons/Availability
Fennel is available year-round, with a peak season in the fall through early spring.
Current Facts
Fennel, botanically classified as Foeniculum vulgare var. vulgare, is an herbaceous species belonging to the Apiaceae family. The upright, perennial plant reaches 1 to 3 meters in height, depending on the specific variety and growing conditions, and was once native to the Mediterranean, spreading in cultivation worldwide. Fennel has been revered throughout history for its medicinal, culinary, and cultural uses. There are three main types of Fennel found worldwide. Common Fennel, which is the subject of this article, is the most prevalent. The two other Fennel types include Florence Fennel, also known as Finocchio, and Sweet Fennel. Almost all parts of the Fennel plant are edible, and over one hundred regional names are used for portions of the plant. Fennel is deeply rooted in culinary traditions around the world and is valued by chefs and home cooks for its versatility, aroma, and distinct flavor. The species is still growing wild and has naturalized in landscapes in both hemispheres. Fennel is also commercially cultivated for year-round availability and sown in home gardens for use in sweet and savory culinary preparations.
Nutritional Value
Fennel is a fiber source to aid digestion and contains minerals like calcium, phosphorus, iron, magnesium, and potassium. Calcium and phosphorus support bone and teeth health, while iron develops the protein hemoglobin for oxygen transport through the bloodstream. Magnesium helps to control daily nerve functions, and potassium balances fluid levels. Beyond minerals, Fennel provides vitamins A, C, E, and K to maintain healthy organs, strengthen the immune system, and guard the cells against free radical damage. Historically, Fennel has been a prevalent ingredient in natural medicines. It has been used worldwide to stave off hunger, help with digestive issues, and lessen fevers.
Applications
Fennel has a mild, green, anise-like flavor suited for fresh or cooked preparations. Almost all parts of the plant are edible, including the seeds, leaves, flowers, stems, and bulbs. Fennel should be washed and separated into pieces to remove dirt that may have become lodged between the layers. Once cleaned and trimmed, Fennel can be incorporated raw into salads or finely chopped for dips, condiments, and spreads. Raw portions of the plant, like the leaves, seeds, and tender stems, can also be chewed as a breath freshener. Chewing the seeds is common in India between meals. In addition to fresh preparations, Fennel can be braised or grilled as a simple side to proteins or simmered into soups. The plant’s licorice-like flavor complements savory rice dishes, beans, or egg recipes like omelets and frittatas. Fennel fronds and bulbs can also be diced and slow-cooked to develop a caramelized nature, a favorite ingredient to toss with pasta and risotto in Italy. Try adding Fennel to tarts and roasts. Fennel is also occasionally used in sweet dishes like ice cream and custards. The seeds are used as a spice and flavoring for baked goods, pickling, and stuffing sausages. They are also infused into liquors. Fennel pairs well with herbs like thyme, parsley, and dill, meats including poultry, pork, and beef, and citrus like grapefruit and blood oranges. Unwashed Fennel bulbs will keep for one week when wrapped in a paper towel in the refrigerator. Separating the fronds from the bulb in storage is recommended, as the fronds will deteriorate faster than the bulb.
Ethnic/Cultural Info
Fennel was regarded as an herb of protection during the Middle Ages in Europe. The plant was believed to dispel negative energy and prevent spirits from entering dwellings. It is unknown how Fennel became known for these superstitious qualities, but some sources point to its mention in the Anglo-Saxon Nine Herbs Charm, an Old English poem recorded in the 10th century CE as a possible explanation. Fennel was also known for repelling insects, and it is hypothesized that this notion may have been later applied to repelling evil. During the Middle Ages, Fennel was a choice herb for protecting houses on Midsummer’s Eve, and the herb was stuffed into key holes, hung from doorways, and placed around the outside of the home. Midsummer Eve was believed to be a time when the veil between the living world and the spirit world was thin, allowing spirits to roam the earth. Fennel was believed to block spirits from entering dwellings, and Fennel seeds were stuffed into charms and amulets to wear on the body for additional protection.
Geography/History
Fennel is native to Southern Europe, specifically the Mediterranean region, and has been growing wild since ancient times. Several species of fennel are seen throughout the Mediterranean, and these plants have been bred over time for use in medicinal, culinary, and spiritual applications. Written references to Fennel have been found from the Ancient Egypt, Greek, and Roman Empires, and the various species spread over time throughout the Mediterranean into Europe, Asia, and Africa. Fennel was featured in early Sanskrit writing in India dating back to 2,000 BCE, and it was also recorded in ancient Chinese medicinal texts. Throughout history, Fennel continued to be cultivated and foraged from wild plants and was cherished as a multi-purpose species. Around the 13th century, Emperor Charlemagne encouraged Fennel cultivation, spreading the plant’s presence throughout Central Europe. The species was also introduced to the New World through Spanish missionaries, beginning in the mid-16th century. As Fennel slowly spread worldwide, plants naturalized in native landscapes, sometimes becoming invasive and challenging to control, as seen in Australia and New Zealand. Today, Fennel is found in wild landscapes worldwide and is also grown in home gardens and commercial farms. The bulb, stems, leaves, and seeds are the most common portions of the plant sold in supermarkets, wholesalers, and retailers, but other specialty elements, like the flowers, are sold through farmers' markets.
Featured Restaurants
Restaurants currently purchasing this product as an ingredient for their menu.
| Suzette | Chula Vista CA | 858-789-4434 |
| Leu Leu | Leucadia CA | 619-316-5807 |
| Urban Kitchen Catering | San Diego CA | 619-276-8803 |
| Merenda | Oceanside CA | 703-459-4145 |
| Top of the Market | San Diego CA | 619-234-4867 |
| The Santaluz Club Inc - Bistro Kitchen | San Diego CA | 858-759-3150 |
| The Switchboard Restaurant 2024 | Oceanside CA | 760-279-6300 |
| Inn at Rancho Santa Fe (Banquet) | Rancho Santa Fe CA | 858-381-8289 |
| Lilli Al Mare | Del Mar CA | 619-467-9897 |
| Mothership | San Diego CA | |
| Rustic Root Solana (Bar) | Solana Beach CA | 619-955-5750 |
| Bayhill Tavern | San Diego CA | 858-288-6923 |
| Ketch Grill and Taps | San Diego CA | 858-268-1030 |
| The Plot | Oceanside CA | 422-266-8200 |
| Jeune Et Jolie | Carlsbad CA | 858-231-0862 |
| Il Giardino di Lilli | La Jolla CA | 619-467-9897 |
| Morning Glory | San Diego CA | 619-629-0302 |
| Southwestern Yacht Club | San Diego CA | 619-222-0438 |
| Humphrey's | San Diego CA | 619-224-3577 |
| University Club | San Diego CA | 619-234-5200 |
| Belching Beaver Brewery Tavern and Grill | Vista CA | 760-509-4424 |
| 264 Fresco (Kitchen) | Carlsbad CA | 760-720-3737 |
| Baby Grand Hotel | Coronado CA | 619-853-2229 |
| Relic Bageri LLC | San Diego CA | 619-335-6328 |
| Grossmont-Cuyamaca Community College District | El Cajon CA | 619-644-7585 |
| Parisien Gourmandises | La Jolla CA | 858-352-6552 |
| Coast Catering | Escondido CA | 619-295-3173 |
| Aqua Mare Cucina Italiana | Del Mar CA | 858-755-7100 |
| Terra Catering | San Diego CA | 619-293-7088 |
| Mille Fleurs | Rancho Santa Fe CA | 858-756-3085 |
| The Flavor Chef (Catering) | Vista CA | 619-295-3172 |
| The Shores | La Jolla CA | 858-459-8271 |
| Bridges at Rancho Santa Fe | Rancho Santa Fe CA | 858-759-6063 |
| New Wave Bagel Encinitas | Encinitas CA | 415-533-4525 |
| Wormwood | San Diego CA | 619-573-0289 |
| Nadolife Production | San Diego CA | 619-239-1224 |
| Isola La Jolla | La Jolla CA | 858-412-5566 |
| Gravity Heights Restaurant and Brewery | San Diego CA | 858-551-5105 |
| Candor | La Jolla CA | 858-581-2205 |
| The Glen at Scripps Ranch | San Diego CA | 858-444-8500 |
| Lilo | Carlsbad CA | 619-385-0914 |
| Solare Ristorante Lounge | San Diego CA | 619-270-9670 |
| Wolf In the Woods | San Diego CA | 619-851-7275 |
| Convention Center East | San Diego CA | 619-525-5832 |
| Carruth Cellars Urban Winery (Carlsbad) | Carlsbad CA | 619-546-9300 |
| Little Frenchie | Coronado CA | 619-522-6890 |
| Great Maple Hillcrest | San Diego CA | 619-255-2282 |
| Frenchy's Hideout | San Diego CA | 858-345-7379 |
| Wetstone Winebar Solana Beach | Solana Beach CA | 858-345-1064 |
| Stake Chophouse & Bar | Coronado CA | 619-522-0077 |
| Harvest Kitchen | Vista CA | 619-709-0938 |
| Public House 131 | San Diego CA | 858-537-0890 |
| The Friendly | San Diego CA | 619-940-0383 |
| Toast Catering | San Diego CA | 619-795-9135 |
| Brigantine La Mesa | La Mesa CA | 619-465-1935 |
| Brigantine Coronado | Coronado CA | 619-435-4166 |
| Sbicca Del Mar | Del Mar CA | 619-417-2587 |
| Green Acres Campus | San Diego CA | 858-450-9907 |
| Glenbrook Health Center | Carlsbad CA | 760-704-1000 |
| Fleurette | San Diego CA | 858-332-2655 |
| Little Victory Wine Market | Carlsbad CA | 310-738-3380 |
| Miho | San Diego CA | 619-365-5655 |
| Knotty Barrel- Rancho | San Diego CA | 858-484-8758 |
| Wildland | Carlsbad CA | 619-385-0914 |
| Artifact at Mingei | San Diego CA | 619-846-2164 |
| Four Seasons Residence Club | Carlsbad CA | 760-603-6360 |
| Nolita Hall | San Diego CA | 619-618-8820 |
| Park Commons - ARE | San Diego CA | 619-295-3172 |
| SD Continuing Education Culinary Arts | San Diego CA | 619-719-6924 |
| De La Vina | San Diego CA | 619-990-6124 |
| Georges at the Cove | San Diego CA | 858-454-4244 |
| Javier Plascencia (Animalon) | Bonita CA | 619-295-3172 |
| Town & Country Banquet | San Diego CA | 619-291-7131 |
| Fairmont Grand Del Mar | San Diego CA | 858-314-1975 |
| The Smoking Goat | San Diego CA | 858-232-4220 |
| Herb & Wood | San Diego CA | 520-205-1288 |
| Michele Coulon Dessertier | San Diego CA | 858-456-5098 |
| Books and Records | San Diego CA | 619-310-5298 |
| Huntress | San Diego CA | 619-955-5750 |
| Fox Point Farms | Encinitas CA | 619-892-0553 |
| RoVino Rotisserie + Wine | San Diego CA | 619-972-6286 |
| Giuseppe Restaurants & Fine Catering | San Diego CA | 619-436-7006 |
| UCSD Health East campus | San Diego CA | 619-578-3373 |
| Wayfarer Bread | La Jolla CA | 805-709-0964 |
| Paradisaea Restaurant | La Jolla CA | 732-915-6669 |
| Ciccia Osteria | San Diego CA | 619-674-4069 |
| Juniper & Ivy | San Diego CA | 858-481-3666 |
| Dockside Fish | San Diego CA | 619-990-8340 |
| Marriott Coronado | Coronado CA | 619-435-3000 x6335 |
| Deeply Nourished | La Jolla CA | 808-489-7366 |
| Mission Pacific | Oceanside CA | 760-450-7864 |
| Prager Brothers Artisan Bread | Carlsbad CA | 760-445-9536 |
| JRDN Restaurant | San Diego CA | 858-270-5736 |
| Cape Rey Carlsbad, a Hilton Resort | Carlsbad CA | 760-602-0800 |
| DS Catering Kitchen | Chula Vista CA | 619-703-9321 |
| Lodge at Torrey Pines Main | San Diego CA | 858-453-4420 |
| US Grant Hotel Grill | San Diego CA | 619-232-3121 |
| La Jolla Country Club | San Diego CA | 858-454-9601 |
| Trust Restaurant | San Diego CA | 609-780-7572 |
| By The Sea | Coronado CA | 619-373-6837 |
| Mister A's | San Diego CA | 619-239-1377 |
| InterContinental Vistal Kitchen | San Diego CA | 619-501-9400 |
| Webbcreationfood LLC | San Diego CA | 619-829-9194 |
| Catamaran | San Diego CA | 858-488-1081 |
| The Guild Hotel (Banquets) | San Diego CA | 619-764-5108 |
| Peohes | Coronado CA | 619-437-4474 |
| Shogun Sportfishing | San Diego CA | 619-226-8030 |
| Bleu Boheme | San Diego CA | 619-255-4167 |
| Little Lion | San Diego CA | 619-519-4079 |
| Inn at Rancho Santa Fe | Rancho Santa Fe CA | 858-381-8289 |
| Viejas Casino Grove Steakhouse | Alpine CA | 800-295-3172 |
| The Beau Hotel | San Diego CA | 619-310-5160 |
| Bar Ella | San Diego CA | 858-808-2286 |
| LANA | Solana Beach CA | 602-758-2596 |
| Under Belly-Uptown | San Diego CA | 619-269-4626 |
| Piatti | San Diego CA | 858-454-1589 |
| Bread & Cie Cafe | San Diego CA | 619-683-9322 |
| Toast Cafe | San Diego CA | 858-208-9422 |
| Alila Marea Beach Resort | Encinitas CA | 805-539-9719 |
| Copper Kings Oceanside | Oceanside CA | 760-539-7054 |
| Marisi La Jolla | La Jolla CA | 951-852-6730 |
| 24 Suns | Oceanside CA | 949-547-9470 |
| Far Corner | San Diego CA | 619-549-0838 |
| Catania La Jolla | La Jolla CA | 619-884-5350 |
| Kairoa Brewing Company | San Diego CA | 858-735-0051 |
| Black Raill Kitchen + Bar | Carlsbad CA | 619-454-9182 |
| Leichtag Foundation | Encinitas CA | 760-230-6772 |
| Herb & Sea | Encinitas CA | 858-587-6601 |
| Fox Point Farms (Haven) | Encinitas CA | 619-892-0553 |
| Campfire | Carlsbad CA | 760-637-5121 |
| Sheraton Carlsbad (Banquets) | Carlsbad CA | 760-827-2400 |
| Daily News Cafe | Carlsbad CA | 760-519-3048 |
| Lodge at Torrey Pines Grill | San Diego CA | 858-453-4420 |
| Lauberge Del Mar | Del Mar CA | 858-259-1515 |
| Hilton La Jolla Torrey Pines | La Jolla CA | 858-450-4581 |
| Third Corner Ocean Beach | San Diego CA | 619-223-2700 |
| Counterpoint | San Diego CA | 619-564-6722 |
| The Roxy Encinitas | Encinitas CA | 760-230-2899 |
| The Heritage Steakhouse | Santee CA | 619-330-0134 |
| Pacific Regent La Jolla | San Diego CA | 858-597-8008 |
| Tribute Pizza | San Diego CA | 858-220-0030 |
| Gold Finch | San Diego CA | 619-804-2051 |
| Fishery | San Diego CA | 858-272-9985 |
| FILO | San Diego CA | 619-616-1670 |
| Carte Hotel | San Diego CA | 619-365-1858 |
| Beaumont's | San Diego CA | 858-459-0474 |
| Barbarella La Jolla | La Jolla CA | 858-454-7373 |
| Marine Group Global Services LLC | San Diego CA | 619-972-9345 |
| Del Mar Country Club | Rancho Santa Fe CA | 858-759-5995 |
| US Grant Hotel Main | San Diego CA | 619-232-3121 |
| Third Corner Encinitas | Encinitas CA | 760-942-2104 |
| San Diego Yacht Club | San Diego CA | 619-758-6334 |
| Tartine | Coronado CA | 619-435-4323 |
| Sheraton Carlsbad (20/20) | Carlsbad CA | 760-827-2400 |
| UCSD Food & Nutrition Department Hillcrest | San Diego CA | 619-380-9840 |
| Fernside | San Diego CA | 619-398-5156 |
| Cove House | La Jolla CA | 858-999-0034 |
| UCSD Food & Nutrition Department La Jolla | San Diego CA | 858-761-1269 |
| Claytons Bakery & Bistro | Coronado CA | 619-435-5425 |
| Shoreside Support Boat | San Diego CA | 704-277-7929 |
| Sheraton La Jolla | San Diego CA | 858-453-5500 |
| The Handmade Chef Meal Prep Co. | San Diego CA | 619-368-3705 |
| La Jolla Beach & Tennis Club | San Diego CA | 619-816-8319 |
| Totally Pickled | Imperial Beach CA | 619-869-9921 |
| Pepino | La Jolla CA | 8587400878 |
| Continental Catering Inc | La Mesa CA | 907-738-9264 |
| Coronado Yacht Club | Coronado CA | 619-435-1848 |
| BFD-Big Front Door | San Diego CA | 619-723-8183 |
| Belmont Park Cannonball | San Diego CA | 858-228-9283 |
| Golden Door | San Marcos CA | 760-761-4142 |
| Kingfisher | San Diego CA | 619-861-8074 |
| Pamplemousse Grill | Solana Beach CA | 858-792-9090 |
| insideOUT | San Diego CA | 619-888-8623 |
| The Miller's Table | Oceanside CA | 310-694-4091 |
| Communion | San Diego CA | 619-606-5568 |
| Lucien | La Jolla CA | 707-387-7163 |
| The Country Club Of Rancho Bernardo | San Diego CA | 858-487-1134 |
| Baby Grand Hotel - Night Hawk | Coronado CA | 619-853-2229 |
| Chocolate Bar | Carlsbad CA | 442-500-2007 |
| Burgeon Beer Co. | San Diego CA | 760-814-2548 |
| Mesa College | San Diego CA | 619-388-2240 |
| Bistro du Marche by Tapenade | La Jolla CA | 858-551-7500 |
| Boujiemana | San Diego CA | 415-710-0510 |
| Reata Glen | Ladera Ranch CA | 949-545-2250 |
| Born & Raised | San Diego CA | 619-944-1631 |
| The Farm Golf Club | Rancho Santa Fe CA | 858-756-5585 |
| Under Belly-Little Italy Kitchen | San Diego CA | 619-269-4626 |
| Encontro North Park | San Diego CA | 310-955-6333 |
| Farmer and The Seahorse | San Diego CA | 858-260-5400 |
| Espadin | Temecula California | 951-383-5585 |
| Jake's Del Mar | Del Mar CA | 858-755-2002 |
| A Louest | San Diego CA | 619-363-4179 |
Recipe Ideas
Recipes that include Fennel. One
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Fennel for sale around the world shared on the Specialty Produce App
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