Celery
YEAR ROUND VEGETABLE
Description:
Celery is a green stalked plant with feathery leaves at the top. Celery is an old plant and has been used since ancient times. Wild celery is considered a common plant in Asia and Europe.
This vegetable is available in two forms, the wild type which has thin hollow stalks and the common variety that we are all familiar with.
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Selecting:
When selecting, look for light green stalks that are shiny and look crisp and fresh. They should snap when they are bent. The inside of the stalks should be smooth, unblemished and clean looking. The leaves at the top of the stalks should be bright green and fresh, not wilted.
Storing and Handling:
To store celery, you can either place in a perforated bag in the vegetable drawer in the refrigerator or it can also be wrapped in foil to preserve freshness and stored in the vegetable drawer.
Preparing:
When preparing, cut off the base end first. The base can be used in soup recipes and should be washed, trimmed and chopped as desired and then added to soup.
Separate the stalks and wash thoroughly. Cut off the leaves at the top. These can be used when preparing soup stock. The smaller leaves can be eaten raw.
Steaming: place sliced celery in a steamer basket over boiling water and cover. Steam for approximately 7-10 minutes.
Boiling: place sliced celery in a small amount of water in a pan and boil gently for approximately 5-7 minutes.
Microwave: place sliced celery in a covered microwave safe dish with a small amount of water. Cook for approximately 8-10 minutes.
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Serving Suggestions:
Salads: celery is a great crunchy vegetable for salads. You can slice it or dice it and add to your favorite salads.
Side Dishes: Stir-fry celery in a little olive oil and season with salt, pepper and a little lemon zest. This is a quick and simple side dish.
Soups: Chopped celery is always good in soups. The leaves and base can also be added for flavor.
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Seasonings to use with Celery: Celery pairs well with cheeses such as cream cheese and blue cheese. It also works well with butter, mayonnaise, mustard, olive oil, nutmeg, rosemary and thyme.
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Quick Salad Celery Recipes:
Best Potato Salad
Easy Chicken Salad Recipe
Seafood Salad Recipe
Waldorf Salad Recipe
Return from Celery to Spring Produce Guide

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