Celery: The Wonder Vegetable That Has So Many Health Benefits

Celery has been around for thousands of years and is one of the few vegetables that has managed to cross-breed with a member of the Fungi Kingdom. From being used as a medicinal plant in ancient Greece, to being an important food source in medieval times, celery has always been a staple in kitchens around the world. Read on to learn more about this unique vegetable!

What is celery?

Celery is a vegetable you can mostly grow in temperate climates. It has a long, slender stalk and a small, crisp head. The leaves are arranged in a rosette shape and the base of the celery stalk is covered in small bumps.

How did celery get its name?

It is believed to have gotten its name from the Latin word for ‘celery’, celeriacus. What is celery’s botanical name?. Celery is a member of the family Apiaceae (Umbrella Plant Family), the same plant family as carrots and parsnips, among other vegetables.

When was it first recognized as a vegetable?. This vegetable has been cultivated since ancient times… probably much longer than that! For example, Egyptian hieroglyphics depict celery dating back to around 1500 BC! In fact, even though we know it today by its scientific name ‘Apium graveolens’, it has a few other names that stemmed from its ancient use in The Old Testament or old writings found in Egypt..including ‘garlic mustard’ (which is what it used to be called in the old world) and ‘Egyptian turnip’ or ‘garlick’.

The Romans brought it as a medicinal plant back to Europe in the 1st century BC. It was first documented in England around 1275 AD where it was included in John Gower’s ‘Confessio Amantis’ (The Song of Love). In fact, it was so popular that the word ‘celery’ came to refer not only to these plants but also to anything bland, insipid and dull… a terrible connotation that has stuck with this vegetable ever since!

Celery History

The history of celery is one full of mystery and intrigue. There are some theories as to where the vegetable originated, but no one can be certain. What is certain, however, is that it has been enjoyed by humans for centuries.

The ancient Greeks and Romans were quite fond of this vegetable and ate it liberally in their dishes. It was also a popular vegetable in Italy, where it was sometimes called “celery root”.
One theory suggests that it may have originated in Egypt, where it was used as a medicinal plant. Alternatively, it may have originated in Asia, where it was cultivated for its edible stalks and leaves.

Whatever the case may be, it has been enjoyed by people around the world for centuries. Today, it remains a popular vegetable with many health benefits.
Celery is high in potassium and vitamin C, two important nutrients for maintaining healthy blood pressure levels and combating inflammation. Additionally, it is a good source of fiber and vitamin A.

In addition to its health benefits, celery is also delicious! Whether you enjoy cooked it or use it in recipes such as soups or salads, you’re sure to

Health benefits

Celery is a great source of dietary fiber. In fact, one cup of the chopped plant has 6 grams of fiber. Fiber is important for regulating blood sugar levels and helping to keep us feeling full after eating. Fiber also helps to reduce the risk of heart disease and other chronic diseases by promoting regularity and reducing the amount of cholesterol and other harmful substances in the body. Additionally, celery contains antioxidants that help to protect cells from damage.

It is also a good source of potassium. One cup of chopped celery has 116 milligrams of potassium. Potassium helps to maintain nerve function and blood pressure levels as well as play a role in muscle contraction and digestion. Additionally, potassium can help to prevent acidosis, an abnormal condition that can occur when the body doesn’t have enough potassium.

How To Use Celery in the kitchen

One of the most common ways to use celery is as a side dish. You can cut it into any shape or size you like and it will taste great in any dish. You can eat it raw, cooked or even frozen. Making a puree of celery is one good example on how to enjoy this superfood.

This vegetable has long been used to treat constipation. Here is one of the most common ways to use it. Take one stalk of celery, cut it in half and then cut each half into six pieces. Place a small amount in the bottom of a glass and fill with water or soda water and swig over ice cubes. This is an excellent way to get rid of cramps and stop your food from going through your system too easily. You can drink several glasses a day for about two weeks for instant results.

One can use celery in cooking as well as eating it raw as a celery snack. The stalks are particularly good for adding flavor and color to soups, stews, casseroles and many other dishes. In fact, you can use the whole stalk in cooking such as with celery-root or flavored cooking oil. If you have been having a bad time with constipation, try some of these tips for a very fast solution to your gastroenteric problems.

Tips for Buying and Storing

When shopping for celery, make sure to select stalks that are firm and unblemished. You should avoid using it when it is wilted, brown, or scorched. Celery hearts should be stored in a cool, dark place for up to four weeks. When storing this vegetable, gently tuck the stalk into the root end so it doesn’t take on water and spoil.

What vegetables can replace celery?

If you’re looking for an alternative to celery, there are many vegetables that you can use in its place. Some of the most common alternatives include asparagus, broccoli, and cauliflower. All of these vegetables have a similar flavor and texture to the healthy vegetable, making them a great option for dishes like stews and salads. Additionally, they all provide significant health benefits. Asparagus is high in fiber and vitamins, broccoli is rich in antioxidants and minerals, and cauliflower is packed with nutrients such as vitamin C and fiber.

Other common substitutes for celery include: carrots, jicama, daikon radish, sweet potatoes, bok choy and beets. Each of these vegetables has its own unique flavor and texture that you can use in place of celery in recipes.

Different Types of Recipes

Celery is a versatile vegetable that you can use in a variety of recipes. Here are some different types of recipes to get you started:

–Celery Soup with Bacon and Potato: This soup is hearty and warming, perfect for cold winter days. Add some bacon for added flavor and protein.
–Salad with Radish, Bok Choy and Feta: This salad is light and refreshing, perfect for a hot summer day. The radish adds a crunchy texture, and the feta cheese provides a delicious tang.
–With hummus: This hummus is vegan and gluten free, making it a great option for those with dietary restrictions. It’s also delicious on celery sticks as an appetizer or as part of a sandwich.
–Celery Quinoa Pilaf: This pilaf is healthy and delicious, perfect for a warm evening meal. Celery is a good source of potassium, which helps to keep blood pressure low. Quinoa is also a good source of fiber, magnesium, and iron.

Conclusion

Celery is one of those vegetables that you might not think much of, but it has a lot to offer. In this article, we will discuss some of the health benefits of this vegetable and why you should consider adding it to your diet. From improving heart health to reducing inflammation, this vegetable is packed with nutrients and antioxidants that help you improve overall health. If you are looking for a healthy vegetable that offers numerous benefits, be sure to give celery a try!

Celery FAQ

How to make celery juice?

Place a large bunch of celery in a large bowl, fill the bowl with water and soak for 1 hour. Drain it, place on a cutting board and using a knife, chop it into large chunks. Place into a blender container with the blended seeds of the celery and blend at full speed until smooth.

How long does it last in the fridge?

Celery lasts an average of two weeks in your fridge. You can avoid food waste by cutting it up and storing the pieces in a container or juice bag that you can re-use for time to time.

What is a stalk of celery?

It is the stem of celery from which the leaves, set of small green florets at its top, grow.

What is celery salt?

Celery salt is a blend of coarse sea salt, the seed and the herb itself. You can typically used in cooking to bring out the natural flavors and enhance the smoky or umami notes in foods like fish or hamburgers.

What is a celery rib?

Celery ribs are the leaves left on a stalk after the stalks are removed. The ribs are the best part of the vegetable, they are big and crunchy because they’re not cut off from the most succulent part of the plant. If nothing else, it makes a great vegetable snack on their own.

How to tell if it is bad?

If it is discolored, wilted and smells bad then it is probably bad. If it’s only discolored, not wilted and doesn’t smell too bad it is good to eat.

How to make celery juice in a blender?

Wash and dry the celery. Cut it in half and remove each half’s leaves. Quarter each piece lengthwise again so you have 4 pieces. Fit into a blender with as much water as necessary to cover it, blend until it is completely pureed, strain out seeds. Add salt if needed or desired and enjoy!