Celery, a leafy vegetable in the Apiaceae family, is native to the Mediterranean region. Cultivated since ancient times, it was once used for medicinal purposes by the Egyptians, Greeks and Romans for its health-giving properties. Celery gained popularity as a food in the 17th century, particularly in Europe. Today, it is appreciated for its distinctive taste and culinary versatility. Whether raw in salads, cooked in soups or used as an aromatic, celery remains a staple in many cuisines around the world.

Nutritional highlights of celery

Celery is a highly nutritious vegetable, rich in essential elements for good health. Here are just a few of its nutritional highlights:

1. Low in calories Celery is very low in calories, making it an ideal choice for those on a low-calorie diet or looking to lose weight.

2. Rich in fiber Celery is an excellent source of dietary fiber, essential for digestive health. Fiber helps regulate intestinal transit, prevent constipation and promote a feeling of fullness, which can help control appetite and maintain a healthy weight.

3. Moisturizer Celery is composed mainly of water, making it an excellent vegetable for maintaining good body hydration.

4. Rich in vitamins and minerals Rich in vitamins and minerals: Celery is a source of essential vitamins such as vitamin K, vitamin C and vitamin A, as well as minerals such as potassium and folate. These nutrients are important for maintaining healthy bones, immune system, vision and blood pressure.

5. Antioxidants Celery contains a variety of antioxidant compounds, such as flavonoids and phenolics, which help protect cells from free radical damage and may help reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease and cancer.

Choosing and storing celery

Choosing celery

When choosing celery, here are a few tips for selecting the best specimens:

1. General appearance Look for celery stalks that are firm, crisp and appear well hydrated. Avoid those that look wilted, limp or have areas of rot.

2. Color Color: Celery should be bright green and uniform throughout the stalk. Avoid stalks with brown spots or areas of discoloration.

3. Leaves Leaves: Celery leaves should be green and crisp. They should not be wilted or yellowed.

4. Pruning Size: Choose medium to large celery stalks, as they tend to be plumper and juicier.

Storing celery

Refrigeration Wrap celery stalks in aluminum foil or place in a perforated plastic bag before storing in the refrigerator crisper. Celery keeps best when kept at a temperature close to 0°C (32°F) and with a high level of humidity.

By following these tips, you'll be able to select and store fresh, crisp celery, perfect for adding crunchy flavor to your favorite dishes.

Tips for preparing celery?

Here are a few tips for preparing celery:

1. Cleaning Start by thoroughly washing the celery under running water to remove any dirt or soil residues. You can use a vegetable brush to gently scrub the stalks and leaves.

2. Peeling If you prefer, you can peel the celery stalks with a vegetable peeler to remove the outer fibrous strands. However, this step is optional and many people choose not to peel celery.

3. Cut Cutting: Cut celery stalks according to your needs and the recipe you're preparing. You can cut them into sticks for snacks, slices for salads, cubes for soups or larger pieces for stews.

4. Leaves Celery leaves can also be used in cooking. They have a flavor similar to celery stalks and can be added to soups, stews or finely chopped and used as an aromatic herb in a variety of dishes.

5. Storage If you don't plan to use all the celery immediately, you can store it in an airtight container filled with water in the fridge. This will keep the celery crisp and fresh for several days.

Why choose organic celery?

There are several advantages to using organic celery:

1. Fewer pesticide residues Organic celery is grown without the use of synthetic pesticides or chemical fertilizers. By choosing organic celery, you reduce your exposure to pesticide residues, which can benefit your long-term health.

2. Superior nutritional quality Studies show that organic foods can be higher in nutrients than their conventional counterparts. Organic celery is often richer in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, making it a more nutritious choice for your diet.

3. Protecting the environment Organic farming promotes sustainable agricultural practices that preserve soil health, biodiversity and water resources. By choosing organic celery, you're supporting environmentally-friendly growing methods that reduce the use of harmful chemicals and preserve local ecosystems.

4. Better taste and flavor Many food lovers claim that organic celery has a stronger taste and more authentic flavor than conventionally grown celery. This may be due to cultivation practices that prioritize soil health and biodiversity.

5. Support for local farmers By choosing organic celery, you're often supporting local farmers committed to sustainable farming practices. This can help strengthen local economies and promote more ethical, environmentally-friendly farming models.

Recipes with Celery