Paleo Foods: Fennel

Curious how to cook with fennel? This crunchy bulb has a similar texture to that of celery. Fennel has a white, edible bulb that can be sliced and added to a winter salad or braised with a bunch of onions. The stalks and leaves are edible and great served with salads, garnish and soups. Fennel seeds are used in recipes (like this one and this one), and are often compared to anise or licorice in taste.

The fennel bulb is an excellent source of vitamin C and contains phytonutrients. Fennel is also a good source of fiber.

Find fennel at your local farmer's market in the late fall through spring season. Saute or braise fennel with other veggies, or add it to a winter salad.

Nutrition Details

Macros in Context

Here's how 1 cup of fennel stacks up in the context of a typical Paleo meal:

Blue bars show the typical range in grams for a Paleo meal. For example, a Paleo meal usually includes 30-60 grams of fat, but where you personally fall in that range will depend on your preference.

Orange dots show how 1 cup of fennel fits into the typical nutrient profile of a Paleo meal.

Buy It

• SELECT: Choose a clean, firm bulb with firm and crunchy stalks. There should be not bruising or browning on the bulbs, and the stalks should not be soft.
• SEASON: Fennel is in season from from fall through early spring, so fennel can make a great addition to a winter salad.
• STALK, BULB, SEEDS: The stalk, bulb and seeds are all edible. Dried fennel seeds should be stored in an airtight container.

Cook It

Recipe Ideas

Mixed Greens, Fennel And Red Pear Salad

Fennel and Lemon Roasted Trout

Braised Chicken with Fennel and Sweet Potatoes