Fresh New Season Organic Fennel from Italy.

Fresh fennel has a mild aniseed flavour and is delicious raw or cooked. Fennel bulbs are crunchy and refreshing raw and the leafy fronds are a delicious herb, similar in flavour and appearance to dill. Fennel is know for its soothing properties and is an anti-inflammatory. Great for upset stomachs and achy joints. 

Recipe Ideas:

- Slice very thinly and dress with lemon juice and extra virgin olive oil for a simple but absolutely spectacular salad. Fennel also goes well with orange or blood orange in a salad. 

- Cut into wedges, toss with olive oil, salt and crushed garlic and roast or sauté until soft and starting to caramelise. Serve as a side or make it the star of the show. Cover with a splash of white wine and cream, scatter over some feta and herby bread crumbs and bake into a creamy, comforting gratin. Delicious served with a fresh tomato and olive salad. Or top a pizza/flatbread/tart with the cooked fennel to showcase its beauty and flavour. 

- Fennel is fantastic in a stew. Sauté with onions, olive oil, tomatoes, chickpeas/white beans, olives and seasoning (take it to Spain with smoked paprika, Italy with dried herbs or to Morocco with preserved lemons and chilli) and serve with bread.

- Make soup. Fennel and Jerusalem artichoke soup is a lovely combination.