The fennel is an excellent source of vitamin A and vitamin C (especially the leaves). It is also a good source of potassium, calcium and iron. fennels are high in fiber and low in calories. Filling, yet low in calories, fennel is an ideal snack for people who are trying to lose weight. although it has a distinctly different flavor, its stalks can be mistaken for celery. Both vegetables are members of the parsley plant family, and like celery, fennel is very high in fiber and low in calories—a 1-cup serving has only 25 calories. fennel is much more nutritious than celery, however; a 1-cup serving fulfills one-third of the Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA) of vitamin A and vitamin C; the leaves contribute even more of these vitamins. One cup of chopped fennel also provides 15% or more of the RDAs of iron and calcium, as well as potassium and other minerals.
The sweet, licoriclike flavor of fennel is similar to that of anise; in fact, although it is unrelated to this herb, fennel is sometimes called anise. The licorice flavor goes especially well with fish; try baking or grilling it on a bed of fennel stalks. Check out this great recipe for Fennel Bulbs Parma Style, Finocchi alla Parmigiana con Salsicce (for 6 persons). Also take a look at how to how to cut fennel for cooking.
All parts of the fennel plant are edible, and it can be prepared and served in many ways; raw in salads or braised, steamed, baked, or sautéed; the chopped leaves make a colorful and nutritious garnish for tomato soup and other vegetable dishes.