Wild celery, also called smallage, is original to southern Europe and cultivated elsewhere. As a member of the Umbelliferae family of plants with umbrella-shaped flower heads, celery is akin to parsley, fennel, carrot and chervil. While the stalk is a common vegetable, the plant is also harvested for its flavorful seed, which is one of the smallest seeds among vegetables. As evidence of the old adage, “good things come in small packages,” it should be noted that it takes more than a million celery seeds to equal a pound weight.
description Celery is a plant in the Apiaceae family, commonly grown as a vegetable. The plant grows to 1 m tall. The leaves are pinnate to bipinnate leaves with rhombic leaflets 3–6 cm long and 2–4 cm broad. The flowers are creamy-white, 2–3 mm diameter, produced in dense compound umbels. The seeds are broad ovoid to globose, 1.5–2 mm long and wide.
common names & nomenclature First noted in English in 1664, the word "celery" derives from the French céleri, in turn from Italian seleri, the plural of selero, which comes from Latin selinon, from the Greek selinon, "parsley".
Also known as: Celery seed, Apium graveolens var.dulce
Celery is native to the Mediterranean. Wild celery was known to the Greeks and Romans. However cultivation of celery only began in Europe in the 17th century.
climate Celery grows best in a bright spot out of direct sun, with temperatures of 70° to 75°F during the day and about 60°F at night. Provide plenty of water and good drainage and air circulation.
soil Celery grows best in moist, nutrient-rich soil.
growing In mild areas, celery grows virtually year-round. Elsewhere, start seeds indoors in January and bed seedlings in early spring after the danger of frost is over. Soak seeds before planting. Germination typically takes about ten days. Transplant when seedlings are about 3 inches high at approximately three months. Space plants about 6 inches apart.
Water copiously. Stalk juiciness depends on how much water the plants receive. Less ideal conditions produce tougher, stringier, more bitter stalks.
harvesting Harvest celery seeds when they mature. Celery's primary umbels (flowers) mature first and often shatter before the secondary umbels are dry. It is best to hand harvest the umbels as they mature. The seeds can be separated easily as the umbels are harvested and will be fairly clean. Any remaining dust and debris can be removed by screening or winnowing.
preserving Store dried celery seed in an airtight container in a cool, dry place.
Formulas & recipes Celery seed uses Celery seed is harvested from the flowers of a common vegetable in the parsley family. Like parsley, celery seed is used as a common seasoning. Celery seeds are also commonly added to pickling jars to add extra flavor to the brine. While celery is served as a common bland side dish, the celery seeds carry more flavor and are used for their pleasant, slightly bitter, and peppery taste. Celery seed blends well with many strong spices, most commonly paprika, cayenne, and onion powder.
Celery seed dressing recipe Ingredients: -¼ cup sugar -1 teaspoon dijon mustard -2 teaspoons salt -⅓ cup white wine vinegar -1 cup olive oil -1 tablespoon onion powder -1 tablespoon celery seed
Combine sugar, mustard, and salt together in a medium mixing bowl. Add the vinegar and oil to the mixture and beat with a wooden spoon until all ingredients are combined. Add the onion powder and celery seed, whisk until well combined.
Benefits Celery seed benefits Like other members of the parsley family, celery seed is highly concentrated in antioxidants and also contains linoleic acid and coumarin. Celery seed also contains a variety of important vitamins like A, B, and C. The seeds are even used to make essential oils, which claim to have calming and peaceful effects when applied to the skin. Customers may buy online celery seeds in ¼ pound and full pound quantities.
This information has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
