Celery Stalks

What Are Celery Stalks?

Celery (Apium graveolens var. dulce) is a vegetable from the parsley family that is grown for its long, fleshy stalks. It is a different variety from the celeriac commonly used in Turkish cuisine; this variety develops stalks rather than a root.

It has a fresh, mildly salty, green aroma. The stalks grow in bunches; the outer stalks are dark green and more fibrous, while the inner stalks are lighter in color and crisper.

Celery Stalk Nutrition Facts

Celery is a very low-calorie vegetable with a high water content; 100 grams contain about 14 kcal. It is notable for its vitamin K and potassium content, and it also provides fiber.

What Are the Benefits of Celery Stalks?

With its low calorie count and high water content, celery is often chosen as part of a balanced diet. It has traditionally been known to have a natural diuretic effect.

This is general information; celery is a food, not a medical treatment. People taking blood thinners are advised to consult a qualified professional before consuming large amounts.

How to Choose Celery Stalks

Fresh celery stalks are firm, straight, and glossy; avoid stalks that bend easily or look wilted.

• The stalks should be firm and snap easily when bent; flexible stalks are past their prime.
• The leaves should be bright green, with no yellowing.
• The bunch should feel heavy and have thick stalks.

How to Store Celery Stalks

Celery stalks stay fresh for 1–2 weeks when wrapped in aluminum foil and stored in the refrigerator; the foil balances moisture and prevents early wilting. Wrapping them in a damp cloth can produce a similar result.

Using Celery Stalks in the Kitchen

Celery stalks are used raw in salads and mezze and cooked in soups and stews. The stringy fibers, especially in the outer stalks, should be peeled away.

How to Make Celery Soup

Boil chopped celery stalks with onion and potato, then blend them to make a creamy soup. Sprinkle celery leaves on top to serve.

How to Use Raw Celery Stalks

Serve thinly sliced stalks as a snack with dips such as peanut butter or hummus, or finely chop them and add them to salads for crunch.

Which Recipes Use Celery Stalks?

Celery soup, seasonal salads, vegetable stews, and freshly pressed vegetable juices are common uses for celery stalks. Celery is also part of the aromatic base of soups and stocks, along with onion and carrot.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is celery stalk good for?

Celery is a low-calorie vegetable notable for its vitamin K, potassium, and fiber. It can be eaten as part of a balanced diet and is not claimed to cure any disease.

What is the difference between celery stalks and celeriac?

Celery stalks come from a variety grown for its long, fleshy stalks. Celeriac is the swollen underground root of the same plant and is considered a separate vegetable.

How do you remove the strings from celery stalks?

The fibrous layer along the back of the outer stalks can easily be peeled away by drawing a knife from top to bottom; this usually is not necessary for inner stalks.

Should celery leaves be thrown away?

No. Chop celery leaves like parsley and use them to add aroma to soups, salads, and sauces.

Why is fresh celery juice popular?

Because of its high water content and mild flavor, celery juice blends easily with other vegetables and fruits and is a low-calorie drink option.