Wednesday, February 22, 2012

Sweet Bulb

One ingredient that's never missing in my kitchen is fennel because it's one of those that can go in any dish hot or cold. I've never attempted to grow it at home as I have a hard time growing anything here {guess I've said that before... Hmm?} but I have no problems there are it is available year round {in many places it's only available fall through spring}.


This is one of those veggies you buy that you can use almost all parts of it {bulb, stalk and seeds} which makes it also quite a healthy food. Amongst its benefits you can say that it has health promoting effects, has phytonutrients which make it a great antioxidant, anti inflammatory and help prevent cancer. Beside that, it's loaded with vitamin C, dietary fiber, folate and potassium tat promote cardiovascular and colon health.


When buying fennel look for clean bulbs with no bruising, make sure they are firm to the touch and the colors goes from white on the bulb to green on the stalk. Fresh fennel should have a fragrant smell that is sweet and resembling that or anise. When storing it place it in the refrigerator crisper so it stays fresh and crunchy between 4-6 days.


Fennel can be made in tea to aid as an anti-spasmodic against cramps of the digestive tract. To make the tea, in a teapot put a teaspoon of fennel seeds, then pour on hot water {not boiling water so you don't burn the seeds} and let it steep for 3-5 minutes.


My favorite thing is to eat a fennel salad because it's so refreshing especially during the summer months when it gets so hot here in Miami. The best way to make it is to shave the fennel with a mandoline or peeler {I chop it with a knife because I don't like to wash the mandoline}, add some orange or grapefruit wedges, pecans or walnut, and season with olive oil, lemon juice, salt and pepper... Delicious!


Have a great day and don't forget to eat something delicious!

33 comments:

  1. I don´t eat enough fennel, don´t know why I seem to forget about it. Maybe I´ll remember now! :-)

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  2. I wish sometimes I liked fennel. I know it's good for you and everything but I even have a hard time with very fennelish basil. Weird, I know.

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  3. I love fennel! I usually drink fennel tea's as I notice they are quite soothing. I am interested in the fennel ice, so I think I will try that one soon! xoxo

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  4. I always keep plenty of fennel seeds on hand for Italian cooking. Lovely presentation and information. :)

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  5. This is so helpful and I happen to love fennel and figs!

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  6. I love fennel in my spaghetti sauce. Makes all the difference!

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  7. I have never even heard of fennel! I'm sure Mr. A has, though.

    http://www.glamkittenslitterbox.com/
    Twitter: @GlamKitten88r

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  8. I have never cooked with fennel before but it sure goes into a lot of things I LIKE to eat - thanks for the healthy tip

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  9. I didn't know fennel had so many great health benefits. I need to start using it more.

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  10. It's so funny, I never have fennel in my home but I do love it. Think I'll have to change that after hearing all of the benefits! :) xoxo

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  11. I am glad you are "intrigued" about my unveiling of the giveaway:) Don't forget to return and have a chance to win:)

    http://thefashionhive.com

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  12. I JUST discovered the joy of it last year. Mostly just slicing in my salads but I have very much enjoyed it. Don't know what took me so long.

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  13. My mom swears by fennel and makes us eat it every time we are over. Frankly, it's starting to grow on me. I started buying it myself. Useful and yummy

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  14. Great, informative post!

    http://styleservings.blogspot.com/

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  15. I like it too, but I tend to forget about it. I have been making a winter salad of broccoli, fennel, red onion, pomegranate and orange slices that is pretty good though! (It's on my pinterest food page if you find me there)

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  16. The fennel ice cream and figs look so delicious!

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  17. i have no idea what to do with fennel so thanks so much for giving me so much knowledge about it. i never would have thought it would work with ice cream!

    Come enter my Sadee Says giveaway!
    http://www.ohtobeamuse.com/2012/02/sadee-says-b-day-giveaway.html

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  18. I don't use fennel NEARLY as much as I should -- I love the flavor!
    xo Josie
    www.winksmilestyle.com

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  19. Normally i eat fennel as salade or as gratin, but i'd like to try that soup, looks delicious!
    xxx
    S

    http://s-fashion-avenue.blogspot.com

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  20. I know I've had fennel but cannot place the taste, will remedy that!

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  21. i've only used fennel once and really should just permanently add it to my shopping list!

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  22. I don't think I have ever actually cooked with fennel, I think I will have to start now!

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  23. I've never cooked with fennel, but I always add it to my carrot and apple juice when I am juicing for breakfast.Your pictures are gorgeous and TYSM for your lovely comments over at mine x

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  24. fennel ice cream sounds amazing and looks mouthwatering! hungry after looking at these amazing photos!

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  25. Fennel is one thing I can't eat too much of - does anyone get too tingly a tongue after eating it? I do like it in small doses, though.

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  26. I've never tried Fennel but I have became addicted to watching Barefoot Contessa and I've noticed that she uses fennel very often. I am going to have to try it.

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  27. I would like to fennel ice cream! xoxo
    http://www.hellohellofriday.com/

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  28. Great, now I'm hungry. ;) I've had fennel prepared a buch of different ways, but fennel ice cream? I'm intrigued, especially since it's paired here with figs.

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  29. I only really just got into fennel recently- I am loving trying different uses for it.

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  30. OH MY GOD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
    Excuse the outburst, but fennel ice cream with figs!!!?????? That's like...like....like....the most amazing combo ever!!!!!!!
    Wow....wow....
    Okay. I'm done freaking out now.
    Wow....

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  31. I absolutely love your recipes! They seemed delicious, especially the salad! I will certainly try it!

    I am a huge fan of fennel, but I mostly have it as tea due to its amazing healthy benefits! I drink it often to ease my digestive problems, as I have ulcerative colitis, and it has helped me a lot. Catnip tea is also good.

    But the best thing is that it is safe for children, it also improves hormonal balance and gives you an immune system boost.

    http://www.therighttea.com/fennel-tea.html

    I think I will try most of your recipes, really! Please share more whenever you have time. I'll love to give it a try!

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