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What is celery? -

Celery, a marshland plant, is part of the Apiaceae family, which includes carrots, parsnips, and parsley.

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An ancient plant -

Celery has been cultivated since antiquity. The plant was known to the ancient Egyptians and the ancient Greeks. In fact, the name celery is derived from the Greek word selinon, meaning parsley. Some Greek coins dated back to around 520 BCE depict a selinon (celery) leaf.

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Cultural representations -

Celery leaves together with papyrus, olive leaves, nightshade berries, and faience, along with flower blossoms and petals, were among the decorative elements sown into the garlands found in the tomb of pharaoh Tutankhamun.

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Celery garland -

Depicted on this 2nd-century CE marble relief fragment are representations of the standard prizes awarded at four venues in Greece: an amphora of olive oil from the Panathenaic games at Athens; a shield from the games at Argos; and two wreaths (of pine and celery) from the prestigious Panhellenic games at Isthmia and Nemea, respectively.

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Named after a city -

The ancient Greek city of Selinunte on Sicily was named after the wild parsley that grew abundantly there. It's also where the aforementioned coins originate.

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Roots as a foodstuff -

Celery as a foodstuff has its roots in the Middle Ages. The vegetable is referenced in Tacuinum Sanitatis, a beautifully illustrated medieval health handbook compiled in Latin using the original 11th-century Arab medical treatise as reference. The couple pictured are working a plantation of wild celery.

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Celery and the European kitchen -

Celery entered the European kitchen proper in the mid-17th century, likely in France. Due to its pungent qualities, it was used mainly as a flavoring.

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Culinary ingredient -

Celery as a culinary ingredient became more commonplace in the late 17th and early 18th centuries as the improved cultivation of wild types of celery made the plant's stalks (petioles) more palatable.

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Salad days -

Its crunchy texture and leafy, earthy flavor made celery a favorite ingredient in salads, and it was enjoyed by the more affluent people of Northern Europe.

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Arrival in England -

Celery arrived comparatively late in England, around 1664. The English word celery is derived from the French céleri, coming from the Lombard term seleri. 

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A taste of America -

English colonists introduced celery to North America. Its cultivation was slow, however, and again the plant was used mainly for flavoring. It was not until the early 1800s that celery found its way into American gardens and nurseries.

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Seeds and spice -

As its popularity grew, so too did celery's versatility became more apparent. For example, if allowed to flower, the seeds produced a spice which could be used to make celery vinegar, a popular condiment in the 18th century.

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Celery vase -

By the mid-19th century, celery had taken root in the United States as one of the nation's favorite vegetables. So much so, in fact, that it was served in specially made celery vases to be salted and eaten raw. Pictured is a blown glass and engraved example, manufactured in Pittsburgh.

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Menu favorite -

In fact, celery was so popular in the United States during the 19th century and early 20th century that it was often listed on the most prestigious of menus. In New York, according to the city's Public Library's historical menu archive, celery was ranked the third most popular dish in town menus during that time, behind only coffee and tea.

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Thanksgiving ingredient -

Incredibly, there was a time when celery was more expensive than caviar due to the difficulties in cultivating it. But as farmers and gardeners got to grips with developing new varieties, it became more widely available and eventually became a staple of the Thanksgiving dinner, either to add flavor to the dressing or crunch to a salad.

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Drowning in celery -

Celery packs a healthy punch. It contains almost 95% water with a welcome dose of vitamins, minerals, and fibers.

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Packing a healthy punch -

Vitamin C, beta carotene, flavonoids, and at least 12 additional kinds of antioxidant nutrients are found in a single stalk.

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Promotes heart health -

The potassium and calcium found in celery are important to heart health. It also contains folate and vitamin K, both of which are required for the formation of red blood cells and effective blood clotting.

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Fights inflammation -

Celery is known to combat inflammation. The vegetable and its seeds have approximately 25 anti-inflammatory compounds that may offer protection against arthritis and osteoporosis.

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Aids digestion -

Celery's health benefits extend to aiding digestion. It's a source of both soluble and insoluble fiber, which is important for digestive function.

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Combats acidity -

Celery has a useful alkalizing effect. This can help combat heartburn and acid reflux by neutralizing the acidity found in certain foods, for example citrus fruits and spicy condiments.

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Improves blood sugar management -

With a low glycemic index and a high fiber content, celery may improve blood sugar management. It's therefore a useful ally for those who need to monitor their blood sugar levels.

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Uses in cooking -

Today, celery is eaten around the world as a vegetable. It can be braised, used to add flavor to sauces, or shaved into salads. Celery soup makes a super healthy and filling veggie lunch or dinner.

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Meat dishes -

Celery works well in just about any meat dish. This classic one-pot idea uses cubed beef with stewed celery, further kept company with onions, parsley, and a mint garnish.

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Celery salad -

Celery is a delightful addition to any salad. But for a truly memorable plate, it has to be a Waldorf—celery, fresh apples, walnuts, and grapes, dressed in mayonnaise.

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Go dippy -

Raw celery was made to be dipped. Try this combo of fresh celery with a yogurt and olive oil dip, served with sea salt and black and green olives.

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Celery seed essential oil -

Celery oil can also be used in cooking as flavoring, as a salad dressing, or added to a smoothie. When diffused, the oil is also suitable for massage blends and diffusers, and as a relaxing bath oil.

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Celery juice -

Celery juice is a great detoxifier, and a wonderfully refreshing drink on its own. But to heat things up a bit, add a dash of green chili pepper or turmeric. If you're dealing with a sweet tooth, mix in a spoonful of maple syrup.

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Celery salt -

Celery seeds can be ground and mixed with salt to produce celery salt. The seasoning is commonly used to flavor and preserve meats, for example cured pork. Of course, it's also used as an ingredient in two celebrated alcoholic drinks.

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Caesar cocktail -

The Caesar cocktail is a wicked combination of vodka, tomato juice, clam broth, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, and lime juice. But before pouring, the rim is dipped into a mix of celery salt, garlic salt, and steak seasoning.

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Bloody Mary cocktail -

A Bloody Mary is also a vodka-based cocktail, and similarly flavored with Worcestershire sauce, hot sauces, garlic, herbs, horseradish, olives, pickled vegetables, salt, black pepper, lemon juice, lime juice, and celery salt. Both cocktails are garnished with a celery stalk.

Sources: (Britannica) (Medievalists.net) (British Food: A History) (New York Public Library) (Medical News Today)

See also: Delicious cocktails from around the world

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