Fennel Tops
Posted by Cherizac on Jun 06, 2010 · Member since May 2010 · 80 posts
I'm a new vegetarian, and I'm learning a lot about vegetables I'm not familiar with. I recently discovered fennel and love it. Today I bought some at the farmer's market, and the tops were ENORMOUS. Like two feet long. I hate to waste things. Can fennel top be used in any way at all? Assume I know nothing. Can the hairlike strands be used like dill? Can they be chopped and cooked? Eaten raw? Juiced? Any ideas at all are welcome.
Thanks!
the strands are delicious and can be chopped and used a delicious garnish. As for the stems... I have no idea. I always throw them away.
I don't see why you can't use they like dill. They do have a licorice flavor. So, the dish will taste differently than if you used dill. Some recipes call for both the tops and bulbs. Fancy gourmet vegetable broth and soup recipes will sometimes call for the tops as extra flavoring.
you can use the stems. they're like a licoricey version of celery - just cook them the same way - sautéed till tender or simmered in soup.