Celery is a great source of antioxidants because of the high concentration of flavonoids, vitamin C, and other phytonutrients. Celery also contains natural anti-inflammatory compounds like apigenin and luteolin, both of which can help reduce inflammation. The health benefits of celery can not be overstated.
And while its nutrition content is impressive, let’s not forget its distinct flavor. Depending on how it's prepared, it can bring anything from a sweet flavor to a slight bitterness. It also pairs well with a variety of other ingredients, making it a great addition to soups, stews, salads and more.
You might not think of celery as an ingredient for desserts, but it can make for some truly unique treats. Try adding some finely chopped celery to your fruit salad or whipped cream for a sweet, herby twist. You can even experiment with a celery sorbet or gelatin.
To get the most out of your celery, be sure to buy fresh produce and store it in the refrigerator for up to five days. If you’re looking for a quick snack, celery sticks are a great option. They’re fun to eat and can also help you meet your daily fiber needs.
Don’t let the simplicity of celery fool you! This underappreciated vegetable is packed with nutrition and offers so many possibilities when it comes to cooking. So next time you’re at the grocery store, pick up a head of celery and see what culinary delights you can create.
The origins of the beloved vegetable side dish, celery, are as varied and intriguing as its unique characteristics. Dating back thousands of years, celery is thought to have originated in what is now modern day Italy or Greece. It was a pricey delicacy for only the lofty aristocracy for the majority of its early history, but was eventually introduced to the masses by the Romans.
The earliest known uses of celery were not as a gastronomic delight though; rather, it was an apothecary staple. Its medical reputation was founded on its diuretic properties, believed to be helpful for treating a wide range of ailments from arthritis to gout. Besides this, it was commonly consumed for its purported tonic effects, being hailed as a superfood of sorts.
It wasn't until the late Middle Ages that celery began to be served as a vegetable. In its infancy, it was mainly used as a garnish and flavoring agent in some dishes, but over time it evolved into a stand-alone dish. One of its first documented recipes was a dish called 'A Dish of Celery', featured in a French cookbook published in 1651. The popularity of celery soon spread throughout Europe, eventually making its way to the Americas around the mid 19th century.
Today, celery has found itself in an array of dishes ranging from soups to salads, but also as a snack on its own. Its versatility and unique flavor profile make it a favorite in many cuisines, with different countries putting their own spin on it. Whether boiled, fried, or raw, the humble celery is one of the most beloved vegetables of all time.
A delectable vegetable of the Apiaceae family, celery is a favorite of many gastronomes and gardening hobbyists alike. Its crisp stalks provide a pleasant crunch to salads, stir-fries, and other dishes, but can also be enjoyed raw with a little cream cheese, peanut butter, or guacamole. Celery is an incredibly versatile vegetable, offering an array of flavors and textures depending on how it is cooked and prepared. In this article, we’ll explore the different types of celery and how they can be used in dishes.
One of the most common types of celery is Pascal celery, which has thin, long stalks with a pale green hue. It is known for its juicy texture and mild flavor, making it a great choice for dipping or adding crunch to salads. This variety of celery is generally easier to find in supermarkets and grocery stores.
Celeriac, or knob celery, is another popular variety. It is much larger in size than Pascal celery and has solid, globe-shaped roots below its leaves. This variety has a sweet, nutty flavor and offers a unique texture when boiled or steamed. It is often used as a potato replacement in certain dishes, such as mashed celeriac or celeriac puree.
For an even sweeter flavor, Redventure celery is the perfect choice. Its edible stalks have a deep red hue and are relatively thick, making them great for adding to soups and stews. This celery type is sometimes referred to as "celery root," as the edible portion is found below the leafy top. Redventure is also highly sought after for its sweet, peppery taste, which pairs well with sharp cheeses or grilled meats.
Finally, there is Chinese celery, which is often overlooked. Its thin, pale stalks are much more pungent than Pascal or celeriac celery, giving dishes a bold, herbal flavor. It makes a great addition to stir-fries and can be cooked with tofu, mushrooms, and other vegetables.
Regardless of the type, celery is a wonderful vegetable to keep stocked in your kitchen. Its crunchy texture and unique flavors will liven up any dish. Whether you prefer thin and mild, sweet, peppery, or herbal, each type of celery is sure to add a delicious flair to your cooking.