Slice down the center of the fennel bulb. To slice the fennel, place the fennel on its cut side and cut thin half-moon slices parallel to the root end using a circular motion. OR… To dice the fennel, cut slices parallel to the root end, leaving room at the end so that the slices stay attached.
What part of fennel do I cut?
Thinly slice each quarter of the fennel, crosswise, working from the stem end to the root end. Stop just before reaching the root end and discard that part of the bulb.
How do you keep fennel fresh after cutting?
Store cut fennel by removing and discarding the stalks. Cut off the woody bottom of the bulb and peel away any wilted or browning layers. Seal in a GladWare® food protection container and refrigerate.
Do you use the core of fennel?
In the case of fennel, the core is entirely edible, if a tiny bit firmer than the rest of the bulb. This means you can either leave it in or cut it out. Leaving it in will produce slices that each contain multiple layers of fennel, all held together by the core.
How do I dice fennel?
To dice the fennel, cut slices parallel to the root end, leaving room at the end so that the slices stay attached. (Make the slices wider for diced and narrower for minced / small diced.) Then rotate the fennel and cut slices in the other direction, following the curve of the fennel.
How do you make fennel bulb for salad?
Cut the halves into quarters. Again, cut straight down through the root. Peel off any wilted outer layers. If the outer layer of your fennel bulb feels wilted or rubbery, peel it away and discard.
Why is fennel good for you?
Fennel contains beta-carotene (which is converted to vitamin A in the body) and vitamin C, which is important for collagen production and tissue repair. Both these nutrients play an important role in maintaining the health of the skin, as well as the mucous membranes that protect organs like the respiratory tract.
Do you remove outer layer of fennel?
If the outer leaves of the fennel bulb are in rough shape, pull them off and remove them. The only trouble with this is that you end up removing a lot of the fennel (mostly for cosmetic reasons), so instead you could use a vegetable peeler to remove any browned or bruised sections on the outside of the bulb.
How do you use whole fennel?
To soften the flavor of the fennel bulb, try braising, sautéing, roasting, or grilling it. Fennel stalks can take the place of celery in soups and stews, and can be used as a “bed” for roasted chicken and meats. Use fennel fronds as a garnish, or chop them and use as you would other herbs, like dill or parsley.
What part of fennel is edible?
But don’t pitch the rest! The entire fennel plant is not only edible but delicious. Each part of the fennel plant has a different texture and use: the bulb, the long stalks that make up the length of the plant and the fringe of fronds at the top all have their place in the kitchen.
Does fennel have to be washed?
Wash and clean the fennel bulb and remove the core which is too tough to eat. Slice through the bulb and cut off the core. You should trim off the leaves and stalks, and book them for later use like garnish if you like.
Is raw fennel good for you?
Fennel is rich in health-protective nutrients
One cup of raw fennel slices contains just 27 calories, with nearly 3 grams of fiber. It packs 17% of the daily goal for immune-supporting vitamin C and 10% for blood pressure-regulating potassium, plus smaller amounts of manganese, calcium, iron, and B vitamins.
Can you cut fennel bulb ahead of time?
Fennel will dry a bit after cutting, so if you need to cut it ahead, keep the slices wrapped in damp paper towels. The core is perfectly edible, and you can leave it if you like, but it can be a bit tough.
How far in advance can you cut fennel?
Look for crisp, clean bulbs without brown spots or blemishes. The wispy fronds on top should be bright green and fresh-looking. Once home, refrigerate fennel, tightly wrapped, up to 5 days.
Does fennel turn brown after cutting?
Fennel tends to discolour as soon as it’s cut, so dress raw fennel for salads straight away, or toss in a little lemon juice to prevent it browning.
What can you do with fennel stalks?
A condensed list of ideas for fennel stalks and fronds
- Brew fennel tea.
- Add to broth.
- Whir up some pesto.
- Use the stalks in the same way as scallions.
- Use the stalks in the same way as the bulb.
- Use the stalks in place celery in almost anything.
- Use the fronds like a garnish.
- Ferment the stalks in sauerkraut or pickles.
What can you do with fennel tops?
You can mix chopped fennel fronds into pestos, salsas, stocks, curries, and vinaigrettes for an added hit of freshness. You can use them to top yogurt dips, eggs, stir-fries, toasts, and seared meats. And they’re delicious when tossed into green salads or strewn on top of roasted vegetables.
How do you eat fennel bulbs?
Cut a fresh fennel bulb into quarters or eighths, depending on size, toss with olive oil and vinegar, and roast on a baking sheet until tender (try 20 minutes at 400 for starters). Top with grated fresh parmesan and enjoy as a snack or a side dish.
How much fennel is in a bulb?
We decided to use 1 medium fennel bulb for our calculations. We then started preparing and slicing our sample and found it took about 2/3 of the fennel bulb to reach the 1 cup mark. The 1 cup of sliced fennel bulb weighed about 3 ounces (90 grams).
Can you freeze fennel?
Long-Term Storage. Fennel stalks and fronds freeze well. Simply rinse them in a cool stream of water, and then place them in freezer-safe bag or container. Due to its high water content, freezing the bulb will change its texture.
Can dogs eat fennel?
Yes! Fennel is safe for your dog to eat and contains vitamin C, vitamin A, calcium, iron, and potassium. These vitamins and minerals support the health of your dog’s immune system, vision, bones, and more. Fennel also helps with bad breath, indigestion, and pups that are gassy.
Justin Shelton is a professional cook. He’s been in the industry for over 10 years, and he loves nothing more than creating delicious dishes for others to enjoy. Justin has worked in some of the best kitchens in the country, and he’s always looking for new challenges and ways to improve his craft. When he’s not cooking, Justin enjoys spending time with his wife and son. He loves exploring new restaurants and trying out different cuisines.