The bulb at the base should be tight and firm, and the surface should feel crisp rather than leathery at all.
Look for a pale bulb giving way to brightly colored fronds at the ends of the stalks.
Fennel has one of the most distinct smells, so look out for a nice strong licorice aroma.
It's a good idea to keep your fennel in a moist environment while in the fridge to ensure that it'll last as long as possible. Wrapping the bulb in a moist towel or cloth definitely won't hurt here.
Jan. | Feb. | Mar. | Apr. | May | Jun. | Jul. | Aug. | Sep. | Oct. | Nov. | Dec. |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|