Seasonal Produce – Fennel

FENNEL IS A vegetable with a leafy green top and dense bulbous stalk that is prone to infestation. The lower portion of the stalk, which resembles a bulb, is composed of multiple layers. Insects are often found between these layers; therefore, it is essential to fully separate them before cleaning.

Follow these steps to ensure your fennel is free of bugs.

• COMPLETELY SEPARATE all the layers.
• SOAK in water with Veggie Wash/liquid soap for 5 minutes. Then agitate for another 2 minutes.
• EMPTY basin by removing the leaves with both hands (holding loosely) in small bunches and rinsing under running water.
• SOAK and agitate in clean water without soap for about 3 minutes.
• REMOVE the leaves and pour the water through the mesh cloth and check the cloth with a strong overhead light or lightbox.
• IF insects are found, repeat the process until the cloth is insect-free.
• IF, after checking a third time, there are still insects, the fennel should not be used.