A unique plant that is grown as both a vegetable and a herb. The swollen delicate leaf bases form a type of bulb that is incredibly flavorful when eaten both cooked and raw. The dried seeds can be used for both cooking and baking, but are especially popular as a bread spice. Something magically delicious to do with this variety is to caramelize the sweet fennel with goat cheese or to bake it in the oven with chili peppers and honey.

The variety contains many vitamins and minerals and has always been considered to have a positive effect on digestion. In Italy, where this variety is most popular, it is very common to end a meal with fennel or fennel seeds for that reason.