The term 'WHAT FENNEL TASTES LIKE' can be answered with the 8-letter word 'LICORICE'. Fennel is a vegetable that has a mild, sweet flavor and is often used in salads, soups, and other dishes. Its taste is often compared to that of licorice, which is a type of candy made from the root of the licorice plant. Licorice has a strong, sweet flavor that is often described as being similar to anise or fennel. Therefore, the answer to the crossword puzzle is 'LICORICE', as it accurately describes the flavor of fennel.