FENNEL
How many of you eat this vegetable? Fennel looks similar to an onion with what looks like long celery stalks and feather-like bright green leaves, which flowers and produces fennel seeds. It is a crunchy and slightly sweet vegetable; some say it has a slight licorice flavor (I personally don’t think so, however when it is cut it has a slight licorice sent.) All parts of this plant are edible and can be eaten in a variety of different ways. Fennel contains an excellent source of Vitamin C and fiber and is very low in calories; 1 cup is only 25 calories. It is also a good source of potassium and has some iron, calcium, and foliates.
Fennel has many health benefits such as:
Weight loss: Fennel is filling and low in calories so it is a great food for people who are trying to loss weight.
Helps regulate blood Pressure: Fennel is a good source of potassium, which is an electrolyte that is responsible for balancing sodium levels in the body and helping to regulate blood sugar which in turn will help regulate blood pressure.
Helps lower blood sugar and cholesterol: Because it contains a good source of fiber which helps reduce high blood pressure and glucose levels, it in turn reduces the risk for heart disease and diabetes and of course helps keep you feeling full and regular.
Buying tips: bulb should be free of blemishes and firm, stalks and leaves should be bright green in color.
Storage: Fennel should be kept in a loosely wrapped plastic bag and in a refrigerator crisper and keeps for approximately 5 days when bought in a store and up to 10 days when purchased at the local farmers market.
TIP: Don’t throw the stalks away; use them in soups and stocks for added flavor!
