Celery

How to Identify celery

As a condiment, celery comes in three forms: celery seeds, dried celery flakes or celery salt.

Celery seed are the tiny green-brown seeds of the garden celery plant; a biennial growing to 1-2 ft (30-60 cm) with ridged stems, clustered at the base and serrated leaves. Stems and leaves are also edible and used as a vegetable. The garden varieties are blanched or self-blanching. Dried celery seeds are not easy to find and, unless you grow your own celery, you may need to order from a specialist gourmet shop.

Cleary flakes are easier to find, although dried celery flakes are not present in every grocery shelf, they are not uncommon. However, celery salt and celery seasoning can, be found in almost any grocery shop and it is in these forms that celery seed is typically used.

How to use and store celery

Celery is available in dried flakes, and seeds, whole dried, or ground with salt --celery salt-- or other herbs --celery seasoning. Use the ground forms quickly to avoid loss of flavor and aroma. Celery seed and dried celery flakes have a strong flavor and should be used sparingly. A teaspoonful of dried celery flakes is equivalent to two tablespoons of fresh celery.

Use the flakes as a celery substitute, and use the seasoning to flavor soups, casseroles, stews, dips, sauces, salads, tomato dishes, savory breads, savory pastries, pickles and marinades. Celery salt is an essential ingredient in the Bloody Mary cocktail.

How to grow celery

To grow your own celery, sow the seeds under cover in early spring, or outdoors in late spring, in rich moist soil. Thin self-blanching seedlings to 9 in (23 cm) apart. The stems are usually collected in the fall season. For seeds, allow the plants to continue into the next year. Dry the seed heads in paper bags in an airy place.

Cooking with celery

Cheese puffs.

Cooking your way with celery

Try tomato juice seasoned with celery salt makes for a healthy low calory drink.