Celery

Description:

Celery is a crunchy, fibrous vegetable with a mild, slightly peppery flavour. It has long, pale green stalks that are often used in salads, soups, and stir-fries. The leaves can also be used for garnish or in cooking. Celery pairs well with a variety of dishes, adding texture and freshness.

Health Benefits From Eating Celery:

Low-calorie, nutrient-rich vegetable that offers several health benefits:

1. Supports Hydration: Celery is made up of about 95% water, which helps keep the body hydrated.
2. Rich in Antioxidants: It contains antioxidants such as flavonoids and vitamin C, which help reduce oxidative stress and inflammation.
3. Aids Digestion: The fibre in celery supports digestive health by promoting regular bowel movements and gut health.
4. Supports Heart Health: Celery contains compounds that may help lower blood pressure and reduce cholesterol levels.
5. Anti-inflammatory: Celery has natural anti-inflammatory properties that may help reduce the risk of chronic diseases.

Calories (per 100g):

• Calories: 16 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 3.5g
• Fibre: 1.6g
• Protein: 0.7g
• Fat: 0.2g

How to prepare your Celery

Start by washing the stalks thoroughly under cold water to remove any dirt. Trim off the ends, and if desired, peel the outer strings for a smoother texture. Cut the celery into desired lengths, either in sticks, slices, or chunks, depending on how you plan to use it.

Here’s a simple and delicious recipe for Celery and Apple Salad:

Ingredients:

• 2 stalks of celery, thinly sliced
• 1 apple, thinly sliced or diced (green apple works best)
• 1/4 cup walnuts or pecans, chopped
• 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon honey
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Salad: In a large bowl, combine the sliced celery, apple, and chopped nuts.
2. Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, olive oil, honey, salt, and pepper.
3. Toss the Salad: Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients and toss gently to combine.
4. Garnish and Serve: Top with crumbled feta cheese if desired and serve immediately as a refreshing side dish or light lunch.

This celery and apple salad is a perfect balance of crisp and refreshing flavours with a sweet, tangy dressing!

Here’s a classic Bloody Mary Juice recipe with celery as a garnish:

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 oz vodka
• 3 oz tomato juice
• 1/2 oz fresh lemon juice
• 2 dashes of Worcestershire sauce
• 2 dashes of hot sauce (Tabasco or your choice)
• 1/4 tsp horseradish (optional, for extra kick)
• Pinch of salt and pepper
• Celery salt (for rimming the glass, optional)
• Ice cubes
• Celery stalk (for garnish)
• Lemon wedge (for garnish)
• Pickled olives (for garnish, optional)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Glass: If you like, rim the glass with celery salt by rubbing a lemon wedge around the rim and dipping it in the salt.
2. Mix the Cocktail: In a shaker, combine vodka, tomato juice, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, horseradish (if using), salt, and pepper. Fill the shaker with ice and shake gently to combine.
3. Serve: Fill a tall glass with ice cubes, then strain the mixture into the glass.
4. Garnish: Garnish with a celery stalk, a wedge of lemon, and a couple of pickled olives, if desired.
5. Enjoy: Sip and enjoy your spicy, savoury Bloody Mary!

Celery in this drink serves as both a flavour-enhancer and a fun garnish, adding a touch of freshness to the bold flavours of the cocktail.

Here’s a simple and flavourful recipe for making Veggie Stock using celery:

Ingredients:

• 2 stalks of celery, chopped
• 1 large onion, peeled and quartered
• 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, smashed
• 1-2 bay leaves
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or a few sprigs of fresh thyme)
• 1 teaspoon peppercorns
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional, for sautéing)
• 8 cups water
• Salt, to taste

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Vegetables: Chop the celery, onion, carrots, and garlic into large pieces. You don’t need to peel the carrots or garlic, but it helps to smash the garlic cloves to release more flavour.
2. Sauté (optional): For a deeper flavour, heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the celery, onion, carrots, and garlic and sauté for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables begin to soften and caramelize.
3. Add Water and Seasoning: Add 8 cups of water to the pot along with the bay leaves, thyme, peppercorns, and salt (to taste).
4. Simmer the Stock: Bring the mixture to a boil, then lower the heat and simmer for 45 minutes to 1 hour. Stir occasionally and check the flavour.
5. Strain the Stock: Once the stock is flavourful and the vegetables have softened, strain the stock through a fine-mesh sieve into another pot or large bowl, discarding the solids.
6. Store: Let the veggie stock cool to room temperature. Store it in the fridge for up to a week or freeze it for longer use.