Celery’s name is derived from the Celtic word meaning “water.” Celery belongs to the same family that includes carrots, fennel, parsley, and dill.
There are three main types of cultivated celery: Chinese celery, which is closest to wild celery; celeriac, known for its mild, sweet taste and most
popular in Europe; and var dulce (meaning “sweet”), a variety most commonly found in North America. The tender stalks in the center are called the
heart.
Celery was first cultivated in the Mediterranean region about 3,000 years ago. It was presented to the winners of athletic games in Greece, much
like we give bouquets of flowers today. The first use of celery as a culinary ingredient was as a flavoring and the earliest printed record of its use as
a food is from France, dating to 1623. The Chinese also cultivated celery as early as the fifth century.
Celeriac variety is grown widely throughout Europe. France, Germany, Holland, and Begium are the main producers, with fifty percent of the harvest
going to the pickling industry. The var dulce variety of celery is grown year-round in the United States, primarily in California, Michigan, Texas, and
Ohio. The largest harvest each year in the United States is called the “Thanksgiving Pull,” for the traditional preparation of stuffing for the turkey.
Celery is a good source of vitamin A—the darker the green, the higher the level of vitamin A. Celery also contains vitamins C, B1, and B2; calcium;
iron; magnesium; phosphorus; and potassium. The leaves contain many of these nutrients and can work well as a replacement for parsley. Celery
contains phalides, which may help lower cholesterol, and coumarins, possibly useful in cancer prevention.
Wild celery was used as a medicinal plant throughout the Middle Ages. People used it to “treat” conditions such as anxiety, insomnia, rheumatism,
gout, and arthritis. Wild celery was also thought to provide strength and purify the blood. The Romans wore wreaths of celery leaves as an antidote
against the intoxicating effects of wine and the ensuing headache. In Vietnam, celery has been used as a remedy for lowering high blood pressure.
Celery also has a reputation as an aphrodisiac. Celeriac oil has a calming effect, is useful as a diuretic, and is a traditional remedy for skin
complaints and rheumatism.
There are three main types of cultivated celery: Chinese celery, which is closest to wild celery; celeriac, known for its mild, sweet taste and most
popular in Europe; and var dulce (meaning “sweet”), a variety most commonly found in North America. The tender stalks in the center are called the
heart.
like we give bouquets of flowers today. The first use of celery as a culinary ingredient was as a flavoring and the earliest printed record of its use as
a food is from France, dating to 1623. The Chinese also cultivated celery as early as the fifth century.
Where Is Celery Grown?
going to the pickling industry. The var dulce variety of celery is grown year-round in the United States, primarily in California, Michigan, Texas, and
Ohio. The largest harvest each year in the United States is called the “Thanksgiving Pull,” for the traditional preparation of stuffing for the turkey.
Why Should I Eat Celery?
iron; magnesium; phosphorus; and potassium. The leaves contain many of these nutrients and can work well as a replacement for parsley. Celery
contains phalides, which may help lower cholesterol, and coumarins, possibly useful in cancer prevention.
Home Remedies
gout, and arthritis. Wild celery was also thought to provide strength and purify the blood. The Romans wore wreaths of celery leaves as an antidote
against the intoxicating effects of wine and the ensuing headache. In Vietnam, celery has been used as a remedy for lowering high blood pressure.
Celery also has a reputation as an aphrodisiac. Celeriac oil has a calming effect, is useful as a diuretic, and is a traditional remedy for skin
complaints and rheumatism.
Lifesaver!
CHOLESTEROL: In an animal study, celery juice significantly lowered total cholesterol by increasing bile acid secretion.
CANCER PREVENTION: Perillyl alcohol, present in the essential oil of celery seeds, has been shown to have anticancer properties. The
National Cancer Institute is conducting human clinical trials with perillyl alcohol to investigate its effectiveness in halting breast cancer. Animal
studies have demonstrated positive results in regressing pancreatic, mammary, and liver tumors and may hold hope for preventing and treating
many other types of cancer.
studies have demonstrated positive results in regressing pancreatic, mammary, and liver tumors and may hold hope for preventing and treating
many other types of cancer.
ANTIBACTERIA AND FUNGI (MOLD): Celery contains polyacetylenes, substances highly toxic against fungi and bacteria. This compound
also has anti-inflammatory effects and makes blood more slippery.
nti-inflammatory effects and makes blood more slippery.
Tips on Using Celery
SELECTION AND STORAGE:
• The leaves of the celery stalk should be bright green and not wilted. Gently squeeze the middle of the stalk. If you hear a squeaky sound, the
celery is fresh.
• Celeriac (celery root) comes in two varieties: a smaller knob version sold earlier in the fall and a larger knob version sold later.
• Rinse celery and place in a plastic bag. Sprinkle or add water to the plastic bag to maintain the freshness of the celery. Keep in the
refrigerator’s vegetable bin, where it should last about two weeks.
celery is fresh.
• Celeriac (celery root) comes in two varieties: a smaller knob version sold earlier in the fall and a larger knob version sold later.
• Rinse celery and place in a plastic bag. Sprinkle or add water to the plastic bag to maintain the freshness of the celery. Keep in the
refrigerator’s vegetable bin, where it should last about two weeks.
PREPARATION AND SERVING SUGGESTIONS:
• If you didn’t rinse the celery for storage, be sure to rinse it thoroughly to remove sand and dirt from its stalks before use.
• Cut the stalks just prior to serving them. If you need to prepare them well in advance, put the cut celery stalks in ice water for up to an hour
before serving.
• Fill celery with peanut butter or low-fat cream cheese, or use as a healthy dip-scooper instead of chips.
• Sauté celery and add to your favorite soup or casserole. Add fresh to any salad.
• Cut the stalks just prior to serving them. If you need to prepare them well in advance, put the cut celery stalks in ice water for up to an hour
before serving.
• Fill celery with peanut butter or low-fat cream cheese, or use as a healthy dip-scooper instead of chips.
• Sauté celery and add to your favorite soup or casserole. Add fresh to any salad.
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