All About Fennel
Your complete guide to fennel - discover how to store it properly, identify when it's gone bad, and find the best substitutes for your recipes.
How Long Does Fennel Last?
Storage times and freshness tips for fennel in different conditions.
Safety first: This guide provides general information. When in doubt, throw it out! Trust your senses and err on the side of caution. If something smells, looks, or tastes off, don't consume it.
raw whole in fridge1-2 weeks
Signs of Spoilage
Loss of crispness, softening of the bulb, browning or yellowing on the outer layers, dark spots, sliminess, or a strong, unpleasant odor. The fronds may wilt and turn yellow or brown.
How to Check
Visually inspect for discoloration or dark spots. Gently squeeze the bulb to check for firmness; it should feel solid, not soft or mushy. Smell for any sour or off-odors.
Storage Tips
Store unwashed in a plastic bag (e.g., a produce bag) or an airtight container in the crisper drawer of your refrigerator. Do not wash until ready to use, as moisture can accelerate spoilage.
raw cut in fridge3-5 days
Signs of Spoilage
Cut surfaces will darken and dry out, loss of crispness, sliminess, or a sour smell. Fronds will wilt rapidly.
How to Check
Check for browning or sliminess on the cut edges. Touch the pieces to feel for any softness or sliminess. Smell for any off-odors.
Storage Tips
Store cut fennel in an airtight container in the refrigerator, possibly with a damp paper towel to maintain moisture. Use promptly as it loses flavor and crispness quickly once cut.
cooked in fridge3-4 days
Signs of Spoilage
Off-odors (sour, moldy), visible mold growth, slimy texture, or significant discoloration. The texture may become excessively mushy.
How to Check
Smell for any sour or unpleasant odors. Visually inspect for mold or unusual colors. Touch to check for sliminess.
Storage Tips
Allow cooked fennel to cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. Refrigerate promptly within two hours of cooking to prevent bacterial growth.
freezer6-8 months (for best quality)
Signs of Spoilage
Severe freezer burn (dehydration, discoloration, leathery texture), off-flavors after thawing, or unusually large ice crystals indicating temperature fluctuations.
How to Check
Visually inspect for excessive ice crystals or freezer burn. After thawing, smell for any off-odors and check texture; while it will be softer, it shouldn't be mushy or slimy.
Storage Tips
For bulbs, blanching is recommended before freezing to help preserve color, flavor, and texture. Slice or chop the bulb, blanch in boiling water for 1-2 minutes, then immediately cool in ice water. Drain thoroughly, pat dry, and store in freezer-safe bags or containers. Fronds can be frozen directly in a freezer bag. Note that frozen fennel will have a softer texture when thawed and is best used in cooked dishes rather than raw.