Learn more about fennel versus anise, how to cook fennel and about the vegetable’s health benefits.
What Is Fennel?
And don’t toss the stalksthey can bequick-pickledor used in a mirepoix the next time you makesouporbroth.
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The stalks should be smooth, tightly packed and have bright, fresh-looking fronds.
Fennel vs. Anise
Fennel andaniseare different plants but are closely related.
Anise is also part of theApiaceaefamily and looks very similar to fennel.
Aniseed is usually used in baked goods because of its strong licorice flavor and aroma and its sweetness.
Fennel seeds are the actual seeds of the fennel plant and are more often used in savory applications.
(Star aniseis a completely different plant.)
And in case you’ve ever wondered how tosay “anise”, it’s pronounced “Ann-niss.”
Using a chef’s knife, cut the bulb in half vertically.
Leaving it in will give you thicker slices, while removing it will make skinnier strips.
you’ve got the option to also dice the bulb as you would an onion.
you could also run each half of the bulb over a mandoline.
Fennel Health Benefits
Fennel containsmany nutrients.
The compound anethole, which is responsible for fennel’s distinctive smell, also offers benefits.
It’s been studied for its ability tosuppress cancer cellsas well as toreduce inflammationin areas like the gums.
It also easy to prep as well as nutritious.
