Do You Need To Core Fennel?
Yes, it is recommended to core fennel before cooking or eating it. The core of the fennel can be tough and fibrous, which can be unpleasant to eat. Removing the core also allows for more even cooking and better flavor distribution. To core a fennel bulb, simply cut off the root end and then make a shallow V-shaped cut around the core. Gently pry the core out and discard it.