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Identify this vegetable

young codgeryoung codger Posts: 543
in Fruit & veg

While going around the local market recently, I saw what looked like some kind of onion. However, when I asked the stall holder what they were called, she could not remember.

Anyone on here know what they are?image

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Posts

  • BobTheGardenerBobTheGardener Posts: 11,384

    Fennel. image

    A trowel in the hand is worth a thousand lost under a bush.
  • ObelixxObelixx Posts: 30,088

    Lovely veg as long as you like the light aniseed flavour.  Look on the BBC Good Food website for recipes.   We like it cut into wedges and microwaved with a little water and lemon juice for 10 mins then drain and scatter sundried tomatoes, bits of goat's cheese, chopped garlic and pine nuts over.  Drizzle with olive oil and bake at 200C till the cheese and pine nuts are toasted.

    Vendée - 20kms from Atlantic coast.
    "The price good men (and women) pay for indifference to public affairs is to be ruled by evil men (and women)."
    Plato
  • BobTheGardenerBobTheGardener Posts: 11,384

    You just made my stomach rumble, Obelixx!  They are also fun to grow in a mixed border as the fine fern-like foliage is very attractive.

    A trowel in the hand is worth a thousand lost under a bush.
  • WelshonionWelshonion Posts: 3,114

    Can be eaten raw, shredded in a salad too.

  • young codgeryoung codger Posts: 543

    Last edited: 12 February 2017 13:28:01

  • raisingirlraisingirl Posts: 7,091

    If you're going to grow it, make sure you buy 'florence fennel', rather than just 'fennel' which is usually the leafy herb - doesn't make the fat bulbs. 

    Gardening on the edge of Exmoor, in Devon

    “It's still magic even if you know how it's done.” 
  • young codgeryoung codger Posts: 543

    After the rapid response by BobTheGardener in identifying this plant (large virtual cigar on it`s way)  I read up about it on Wiki. In reference to the aniseed flavour, there is some reference to the alcoholic drink absinthe. France also gets a mention, and I would not be surprised if Fennel is used in the production of Pernod.
     

  • Pete.8Pete.8 Posts: 11,340

    Fennel and celeriac soup - one of my faves.

    I have thought about growing fennel, but I'd forget to earth-up I'm sure, maybe next year


    Billericay - Essex

    Knowledge is knowing that a tomato is a fruit.
    Wisdom is not putting it in a fruit salad.
  • ObelixxObelixx Posts: 30,088

    It doesn't need earthing up.  It's not celery or leek.  It wants sunshine, fertile soil with good drainage but adequate water too.

    Vendée - 20kms from Atlantic coast.
    "The price good men (and women) pay for indifference to public affairs is to be ruled by evil men (and women)."
    Plato
  • Pete.8Pete.8 Posts: 11,340

    maybe I'll try this year then  - thanks


    Billericay - Essex

    Knowledge is knowing that a tomato is a fruit.
    Wisdom is not putting it in a fruit salad.
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