Celery Seed

What Is Celery Seed?

Celery seed (Apium graveolens) is a spice made from the tiny, brownish-green seeds of the celery plant’s flowers. It comes from the same plant as the celery root and stalk eaten as a vegetable, but the seeds have a much more concentrated, pungent aroma.

It has a mildly bitter, sharp, herbal flavor and is generally used as a preserving and aromatic ingredient in pickles and brines.

Celery Seed Nutrition Facts

Per 100 grams, celery seed contains about 392 kcal of energy, 18 g of protein, and notable amounts of calcium (1,767 mg), iron (45 mg), and magnesium (440 mg). Because recipes use very small amounts (a pinch or a few seeds), it makes no measurable practical contribution to daily nutrition.

What Are the Benefits of Celery Seed?

Celery seed has traditionally been used to aid digestion and as a diuretic; various studies are ongoing on its plant compounds, but these findings have not yet led to definitive health recommendations.

This is general information; celery seed is a spice, not a substitute for medical treatment. People with a celery allergy are advised to avoid the seeds as well.

How to Choose Celery Seed

Good-quality celery seed should be dry, dark brownish-green, and strongly aromatic; avoid dusty or odorless seeds.

• The seeds should be dark and uniform in color; a faded appearance is a sign of age.
• A sharp, herbal aroma released when rubbed is a sign of freshness.
• Choose free-flowing seeds that are not damp or clumped.

How to Store Celery Seed

Celery seed can be stored for 2–3 years in a sealed jar in a cool, dark place. Keep the lid tightly closed because moisture quickly reduces its aroma.

How to Use Celery Seed in the Kitchen

Celery seed is used in pickles and brines, some soups and stocks, and to make celery salt.

How to Use Celery Seed in Pickles

Add a pinch of celery seed to the pickle jar along with the vinegar brine; it adds flavor and is traditionally believed to contribute to preservation.

Which Recipes Use Celery Seed?

Celery seed is used in mixed pickles, pickled cucumbers, stock-based soups, and some salad dressings.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is celery seed good for?

Celery seed has traditionally been consumed to aid digestion; it is a spice and does not claim to cure any disease.

Is celery seed the same as celery salt?

No. Celery salt is a separate product made by mixing ground celery seed with table salt. Keep this difference in mind when using salt in a recipe.

Why is celery seed used in pickles?

Celery seed adds a sharp, herbal flavor to pickles; in traditional recipes, it is used to balance the taste of vinegar brine.

Can celery seed cause an allergic reaction?

Yes. Celery seed can also cause an allergic reaction in people with an allergy to the celery family; they are advised to avoid consuming it.

Do celery seed and celery root come from the same plant?

Yes. Celery root and stalk, which are eaten as vegetables, and celery seed, which is used as a spice, come from the same plant (Apium graveolens); only the part used is different.