Fennel when fresh, slowly turning a dull grey as the seed ages. For cooking, green seeds are optimal. The leaves are delicately flavored and similar in shape to those of dill. The bulb is a crisp vegetable that can be sautéed, stewed, braised, grilled, or eaten raw. Young tender leaves are used for garnishes, as a salad, to add flavor to salads, to flavor sauces to be served with puddings, and also in soups and fish sauce. Fennel seeds are sometimes confused with those of anise, which are similar in taste and appearance, though smaller. Fennel is also used as a
European Flavour Association France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, and the UK. Company members include Firmenich, Givaudan, Mane, Robertet, International Flavors and Fragrances, Symrise, Takasago, Kerry Group, and Sensient Flavors. In January 2018, McCormick & Company joined as an EFFA full member. EFFA is itself a member of the International Organization of the Flavor Industry (IOFI). European Flavour Association European Flavour Association (EFFA) is a non-profit European-level trade association of the flavor industry, based in Brussels, Belgium. Founded in 1961, the organisation originally focused on both flavours and fragrances, but has focused solely on flavours since 2006. Its members include