How to Store Fennel
Florence fennel bulbs are best treated like a tender, high-moisture vegetable. Cold storage preserves crispness, but the fronds fade faster than the bulb.
Best storage conditions
Store at 32 to 36 F with 95 to 100 percent humidity and no light. Refrigerate in the crisper drawer.
How long it keeps
Bulbs usually keep 1 to 2 weeks. Fronds are best used within a few days.
Storage methods
Trim fronds if needed for separate use, but leave the bulb mostly intact. Store unwashed in a perforated plastic bag. Do not hold it at room temperature for long, or it wilts and toughens.
Freezing & preserving
Slice and freeze after a brief blanch for cooked use. Dry the fronds for seasoning if desired. If canning fennel in pickled form, use tested USDA or NCHFP recipes; plain fennel is low-acid and would require pressure canning guidance from a tested source.
Tips
If stalks start drying, use the bulb soon. Keep fennel away from odor-absorbing or odor-giving foods because it can pick up smells.
General home-storage guidance. For home canning and preserving safety, follow USDA and National Center for Home Food Preservation (NCHFP) guidelines. Page updated Aug 4, 2026.