Bitter and sweet fennel are both used as herbs. This simple fennel recipe fennel and celery soup the fantastic flavour of a much maligned vegetable and transforms it into a sweet, silky side dish.

Look for small, blemish-free bulbs that are pale green, firm and tightly packed, which indicates crispness and freshness. Both the base and stems of Florence fennel can be cooked by braising or roasting, which make it sweet and tender. Cut off the root end and the leaves and peel the outer layer of skin away, then cut either downwards or across the bulb, then boil in salted water for about 15 minutes, or until tender. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Read about our approach to external linking. Is Lemon Water Good for You?

Verywell Fit’s content is for informational and educational purposes only. Our website is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Laura Dolson is a health and food writer who develops low-carb and gluten-free recipes for home cooks. Verywell Fit articles are reviewed by board-certified physicians and nutrition and exercise healthcare professionals. Medical Reviewers confirm the content is thorough and accurate, reflecting the latest evidence-based research. Content is reviewed before publication and upon substantial updates.

Barbie Cervoni MS, RD, CDCES, CDN, is a registered dietitian and certified diabetes care and education specialist. You may be familiar with the use of fennel for garnish or spice, but surprisingly, fennel can also serve as the foundation of a meal. Whether eaten raw in salads or cooked as part of a recipe, fennel is a nutritious vegetable worthy of more attention. Half of the carbohydrates in fennel come from fiber and half come from naturally-occurring sugars. The glycemic index of fennel is 16, making it a very low glycemic food. There is very little fat in raw fennel.