Where can you buy fennel bulbs?

Fennel is usually available in markets from autumn through early spring. Select bulbs that are clean, firm, and solid, without signs of splitting, bruising, or spotting. The bulbs should be white or pale green in color. Look for stalks that are relatively straight and closely superimposed around the bulb and should not splay out to the sides too much. Both the stalks and the leaves should be green. Fresh fennel should have a fragrant aroma, smelling subtly of licorice or anise. Avoid flowering buds as this indicates that the bulb is past maturity.