The etiquette rules on how to serve and eat fennel. Tips to be the ideal host or the perfect guest and avoid any embarrassment.

What fennel etiquette is

Fennel etiquette is the set of rules to properly serve and eat fennel. Such rules help avoid behaviors that can disrespect your hosts or guests, or make you look unpolite.

If you are hosting, follow the etiquette to serve fennel to your guests appropriately.

As a guest, respect the etiquette rules to properly eat fennel at the dining table and avoid offending your hosts or embarrassing yourself.

how to serve and eat fennel

What you should know about fennel

Fennel is a flowering plant species in the carrot family.

Fennel has a bulb-like stem base that is white or pale green in color and has a crunchy texture. The leaves are feathery and dark green in color. The flavor of fennel is slightly sweet and licorice-like.

Etiquette rules to serve and eat fennel

1) How to store fennel

Store fennel at temperatures between 32-40°F (0-4°C). To store fennel in the pantry, keep it in a cool, dry place in a paper or plastic bag for up to a week. In the fridge, store it in a plastic bag for up to two weeks. Fennel can also be frozen for up to six months.

Sliced or cooked fennel should be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days.

2) How to clean fennel

To clean fennel, rinse it under cold water and remove any dirt or debris. There are no major risks associated with cleaning fennel.

When fennel turns bad, it will start to look wilted and discolored and have a bad smell.

3) How to prepare & cook fennel

Fennel can be eaten raw or cooked. To prepare fennel for cooking, remove the stalks and feathery leaves, and slice or chop the bulb. Fennel can be roasted, grilled, sautéed, or used in soups and stews. Use a knife and cutting board to prepare the fennel.

Popular dishes with fennel include salads, soups, stews, and roasted fennel with vegetables.

Fennel is great in salads and sandwiches, and can also be used to make juice, smoothies, and jam. Fennel is suitable for guests on a vegan, keto, or paleo diet.

4) How to serve & present fennel

Fennel is appropriate for any occasion. You can serve it as a side dish, main course, or appetizer. It is suitable for breakfast, brunch, or snack.

Serve fennel on a plate or in a bowl. You can garnish it with its feathery leaves. Use a serving fork or tongs to serve fennel.

Accompany fennel pairs well with citrus, garlic, olive oil, and herbs like thyme and rosemary.

5) Food and wine to pair fennel with

Fennel pairs well with citrus fruits, apples, pears, and tomatoes. You can also pair it with beets, carrots, and potatoes. It is best to avoid it with strongly flavored vegetables like broccoli and cabbage.

Fennel goes well with cheese and dairy, particularly goat cheese and feta. It is best to avoid it with strong-flavored cheeses like blue cheese.

Fennel goes well with fish, particularly salmon and cod. You can also pair it with pork and chicken. It is best to avoid it with strong-flavored meats like lamb.

Fennel pairs well with white wine, particularly Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Grigio. It can also pair with red wines like Pinot Noir and Chianti. It goes well with sparkling wine and light beer. Avoid fennel with heavy, full-bodied wines and spirits.

6) How to eat fennel

Use a fork and knife to eat fennel. It is not polite to eat it with your fingers. You can eat the whole fennel, including the bulb and leaves.

Fennel etiquette: the worst mistakes

Avoid the most common fennel etiquette mistakes:

  • 8/10. Not properly cleaning the fennel before serving.
  • 6/10. Not removing the outer layer before cooking.
  • 6/10. Not removing the tough core of the bulb.

Additional information for properly serving fennel

How many calories per serving?

Counting calories is important to stay healthy and correctly plan a menu.

Fennel has about 27 calories per serving (1 cup sliced) and about 31 calories per 100 grams. A single fennel bulb contains approximately 73 calories.

How to buy the best fennel

A crucial factor in fennel etiquette is serving your guests the best product possible.

Season and availability 

Fennel is available year-round in most regions, but its peak season is from fall to early spring.

Choose the best

Fennel is commonly found in commerce in fresh form, but it can also be found canned, pickled, and dried.

The most popular varieties of fennel in commerce include Florence fennel, also known as bulb fennel, and wild fennel. Florence fennel is the most prized variety because of its large, white, bulb-like stem.

When buying fennel, look for bulbs that are firm and heavy for their size, with no signs of wilting or damage to the outer layers. The fronds should be fresh and green, with no signs of yellowing or wilting. Avoid bulbs that are discolored, pitted, or have visible bruises or soft spots.

Alternatives to fennel

Some common alternatives to fennel include anise, celery, and celeriac. These vegetables have similar flavors and can be used as substitutes in recipes that call for fennel.

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