Availability, Nutrition, and Recipe Suggestions
In Season: Limited Harvest mid July into the Fall
Storage: Celery can be stored in water or wrapped in foil in the veggie crisper of your fridge. If left uncovered or on the counter, Celery is likely to dry out quickly… keep it cool.
Preservation: Celery can be blanched and frozen for future smoothies and dinners. Pickling them is another great option for a yummy snack!
Production Notes: Celery had a very high demand for water and nutrients. While we typically forego field irrigation at Brix Bounty Farm we still produce celery, which is noted for its robust and full flavor. Our earliest crop matures beginning in July and continues into the fall. Fall production is less reliable due to consistent disease pressure in the region. While celery is grown as a commodity on big farms out west and in Michigan, it’s a crop which requires a long growing season and therefore we still regard it as a very special inclusion in our harvest season.
Varieties: Tango has been our stalwart over the years, though we consistently trial new varieties to see what might be well suited for our farm.
Nutrition: Celery is a good source of Riboflavin, Vitamin B6, Pantothenic Acid, Calcium, Magnesium and Phosphorus, and a very good source of Dietary Fiber, Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Vitamin K, Folate, Potassium and Manganese. [nutritiondata.self.com]
Deep Nutrition: Celery has many Antioxidants and they are beneficial for cardiovascular support. Phthalides found in celery can relax muscles by its impact on the flow of calcium and potassium inside cells. It may also act as a diuretic, helping lower pressure inside our blood vessels. [www.whfoods.com]
Deep Science: Celery is good for the belly and more. It has great anti-inflammatory health benefits, including its protection against inflammation in the digestive tract. Apiuman a non starchy polysaccharide found in celery appear important in producing these anti-inflammatory benefits. [www.whfoods.com]
Preparation: To clean celery, cut off the base and leaves, then wash the leaves and stalks under running water. Cut the stalks into pieces of desired length. Techniques: Boil, braise, cream, raw, saute, steam.
- Celery and Green Apple Salad with Walnuts and Mustard Vinaigrette [www.epicurious.com]
- Celery Soup [www.bonappetit.com]
- Celery Salad with Dates, Almonds, and Pamesan [www.bonappetit.com]
- Stir-Fried Celery with Peanuts [www.eatingwell.com]
Celery also pairs well with- butter, blue cheese, tarragon, dill.
Yum.
authored by: Danny Guillotte and Derek Christianson
Updated February 2019