| 1 | There is a bit of confusion about these two plants. |
| 2 | For some reason,the fennel plant, which resembles celery with fern like tops, has been called sweet anise in produce markets. |
| 3 | The true anise is cultivated only for its seeds. |
| 4 | So what you see labelled "sweet anise" in your market is probably fennel, but no matter what you call it, this is a highly interesting vegetable. |
| 5 | Every part of this aromatic plant has a taste and aroma similar to licorice. |
| 6 | The stems are eaten like celery,uncook, or cooked and served as a vegetable (heavenly with apples in waldorf salad) available from september to may. |
| 7 | how to choose and store: choose fennel the same way you do celery, with crisp stalks and fresh leaves. |
| 8 | Wash and store in vegetable crisper or plastic bag in refrigerator. |
| 9 | basic preparation: trim the ferny tops and remove tough outer stalks. |
| 10 | Cut off heavy base. |
| 11 | Slice the stalks in thin lengthwise strips. |
| 12 | Wash,drain and cook in boiling, salted water or bouillon until just tender,15-20 minutes. |
| 13 | Drain and add melted butter, salt and pepper and serve. |
