Fennel greens
Foeniculum vulgare
Similar veggies:
Dill
Other names:
Fennel fronds
A quick introduction
Fennel greens are the leafy top part of the fennel bulb. They are delicate, soft and bright green, and look similar to fresh dill. We sometimes cut the greens of the fennel bulb and add them to the veggie boxes in a separate bunch (otherwise the fennels are too big to fit into the boxes. Sometimes we only add the greens without the fennel bulbs. Fennel greens and dill look very much alike but you’ll be able to distinguish the two by their taste.
Storage
In a closed container in the fridge.
Season
spring, summer and fall
Suggestions for preparation
Fennel greens can be used like other soft herbs such as parsley or dill. Chop it up and add it to pestos, salsas, or dressings. Or just use it as a final garnish to eggs, meats or roasted vegetables. If you are making a fennel salad, adding the greens just brings extra freshness and brightness to the whole dish.
Recipes
See this article by Rachel Roddy about different ways to use up all the fennel parts. For the fennel greens she suggests a pasta with sardines & lemon zest.
Or make this versatile fennel green pesto that goes with pasta, a hearty barley salad (with feta, olives and grilled vegetables perhaps?) on sandwiches or with grilled veggies.