(1) The name finocchio is simply the general Italian word for fennel, but has been used in other countries to distinguish this special type, which was developed in Italy in the 17th century.(2) I know of finocchio from an Italian friend, it looks like a bulbous stalk of celery with fine dill like tendrils.(3) Florence Fennel, also known as finocchio , is an annual which is known mainly for the stem that swells to a ‘bulb’ as it grows.(4) Ask the grocer for finocchio and be prepared for a couple of jokes.
