Fennel Bulbs Actually Come In 2 Sizes - Here's When To Use Each - Tasting Table
Briefly

Fennel bulbs offer a sweet, spiced flavor ideal for enhancing various recipes. Mature fennel bulbs are larger, with a stronger licorice taste and a hearty texture, making them appropriate for roasting or braising. In contrast, baby fennel bulbs are slender with a milder flavor, best enjoyed raw in salads or as pasta garnishes. Cooking methods like roasting or braising develop fennel's natural sweetness, allowing it to pair well with dishes like pork tenderloin or steak. Choosing the right size of fennel is crucial for maximizing flavor in dishes.
Fennel's sweet, spiced flavor is perfect for elevating all kinds of recipes, whether raw or cooked, depending on the size of the bulb.
Larger bulbs of mature fennel have a stronger licorice taste and a heartier texture, ideal for roasting or braising, while baby fennel has a milder flavor.
Baby fennel's tender texture and milder anise taste make it suitable for raw consumption, often used as a salad topping or garnish.
Cooking methods like roasting and braising enhance fennel's sweetness, making it an excellent accompaniment to savory dishes such as pork tenderloin or steak.
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