Fennel Structure

Fennel has three separate parts and functions as a spice and vegetable.

Grocery store fennel, also known as "sweet anise," is known for its licorice flavor. Fennel is recognizable by its distinguishable bulb, stalks and fronds. The vegetable also produces seeds and pollen that can be used in the kitchen.

Bulb

The white fennel bulb is not really a bulb---it is in fact a cluster of tightly packed leaves. Of all the fennel parts, the bulb possesses the mildest anise or licorice flavor. It can be cooked or eaten raw.

Stalks and Fronds

Fennel stalks look very similar to celery stalks but are more fibrous. The fronds are dill-like in structure. The fronds' anise flavor is very strong. Both can be used in cooking, but the bulb is more often mentioned in recipes.

Seeds and Pollen

The seeds of fennel look very much like anise seed. They can be used in cooking either fresh or dried. Fennel pollen has the most potent anise flavor.

References

• "NPR": Don't Forget the Fennel