Fennel (Florence) is a cool-season vegetable in the Apiaceae family, grown primarily for its swollen leaf bases. Plants produce feathery, aromatic foliage similar to dill, with a bulbous, layered structure forming at the base of leaf stalks.
The swollen base, fronds, and seeds are all edible, offering a mild anise flavour. The bulb is crisp when raw and develops a mellower, sweeter flavour when cooked.
Cultivated in cool to mild conditions with consistent moisture to prevent bolting; sensitive to heat and water stress. Florence fennel is noted for its crisp texture when raw and distinguishes itself from herb fennel grown primarily for seeds and fronds.