Safe from 6 months. Fennel provides vitamin C, potassium, fiber, and manganese. It has mild digestive-soothing properties, similar to its relative, dill.
Raw fennel is crisp and watery with a distinct, clean anise flavor that is milder and sweeter than licorice. Roasting or braising until soft removes the crunch and dramatically mellows the anise note into a gentle, caramel-like sweetness with hints of honey and vanilla. It pairs naturally with apple, pear, potato, olive oil, lemon, parsley, and mild white fish.
Roast or braise until very soft. Anise flavor mellows significantly when cooked. Cut bulb into wedges, roasted soft. A distinctive early flavor experience.
Soft roasted fennel pieces as finger food. Add fronds as a herb flavoring.
Raw (sliced thin, licorice flavor), roasted, braised, in salads or soups.
Ingredients
Steps
The pear softens the anise flavor and adds natural sweetness, making this a gentle introduction to fennel for babies unfamiliar with the flavor.
Garden notes
Bold anise flavor. Can inhibit growth of nearby plants - check companion planting guides.
Direct sow in spring or fall - bolts in heat, best as a cool-season crop.
Harvest for baby
Roast or steam until completely soft. The mild anise flavor is generally well-received by babies.
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