Fennel is for Lovers

Did you know that fennel actually grows wild in San Diego? A weed, but a treasure none the less, this rootvegetable will capture your heart over and over again as you fall in love with new recipes. Find bulbs and fronds of friendly fennel and more this week as you shop at the Little Italy Mercato.

Raw fennel tastes like the love child of celery and licorice. Roasting, however, brings out complex flavors and satiates our cravings for warm, tender food now with winter's return. Select a few stalks from Suzie's or Vang Farm this week and simply chop the bulb into quarters, then coat the pieces with a healthy dose of oil. We recommend trying avocado oil from Marion's or even a fine balsamic vinegar and oil from Gianni's Fine Foods. Toss with salt and pepper and roast in the oven until the outsides begin to crisp, leaving the insides warm and tender. Also, try roasting fingerling potatoes from Polito Farms with a bit of fennel seeds sprinkled on top for a sweet infusion.

For a flashier meal- experiment with this Yellowtail & Fennel Crudo recipe from Chef Brian Sinnot- An elegant, yet simple dish with fresh fennel, pomegranate seeds, and mint. Sift through the ruby round pomegranates at Lone Oak Ranch or Heritage Family Farms. Grab a bunch of mint from Schaner's, toss everything together and serve fresh.