Finale Fennel

Fennel has its roots in the Mediterranean where it grows as a perennial, usually along riverbanks and shorelines. In Greek myth, a dried fennel stalk is used by Prometheus to carry his gift of fire. But had Prometheus encountered Finale Fennel with its succulent, crisp bulbs, he might have made a meal for himself instead, leaving the rest of us in the dark. A relative to carrot, fennel has a vibrant, anise-like fragrance that mellows when cooked. These slow-to-bolt bulbs are perfect for slicing fresh, grilling, or roasting. Use the more citrusy-tasting leaves in salad dressings, sauces, and marinades. For optimal flavor, harvest the bulbs when they reach about 4" in width before they produce a central seed stalk.