Introduction
Celery has been used in cuisine and medicine for thousands of years. It originated from the wetlands of the Middle East and Mediterranean. It can be enjoyed raw, cooked, or as a flavor enhancer for soups and stews. Its crisp texture, distinctive flavor, and low-calorie offer a hydrating crunch. If it is planted in spring, it will be harvested in October.
Storage Tips
To keep celery fresh, wrap it in aluminum foil and store it in your refrigerator. It will store for up to two weeks.
Nutrition Benefits
A stalk of celery contains:
Calories: 10
Water: 95%
Fiber: 1.6 grams
Full of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin K, vitamin A, potassium, and folate, rich in antioxidants.
Peanut Butter Celery Sticks
Ingredients:
• Celery stalks
• Peanut butter (or any nut or seed butter)
• Raisins or dried cranberries (optional)
Instructions:
1. Wash the celery stalks and cut them into 3 to 4-inch sticks.
2. Spread peanut butter inside the celery's groove.
3. Sprinkle a handful of raisins or dried cranberries on top of the peanut butter.
4. Serve & Enjoy.
Helpful Hints:
• Eat celery sticks plain or enhance their flavor by dipping them in your preferred salad dressings, such as ranch, peanut butter, or blue cheese.
• Essential to French cuisine, mirepoix is a rich flavor base for soups, sauces, and stews. It's created by cooking diced celery, carrots, and onions in butter or oil.
• Similar as mirepoix, soffritto is an Italian culinary tradition where celery, onions, and carrots are sautéed together.
• In West African cooking, celery is occasionally used to soups and stews. It goes well with okra, yams, and a variety of meats.
• Celery juice is enjoyed for its detoxifying and healing effects.
Celery seeds, known as ajwain, are used in seasoning. Celery root is used in dishes, such as salads or cooked in olive oil with other vegetables and its leaves add to salads and soups. Don't throw them away!
