Celery (2024)

What is celery?

A collection of long, thick, juicy stalks around a central, tender heart, celery ranges in colour from white to green - the darker its colour, the stronger its flavour. It has a very mildly bitter taste and a texture that's both crisp and succulent and is eaten either raw or cooked.

Read about the health benefits of celery.

When is celery in season?

All year round, but the British season runs from late July to late February.

Learn how to grow your own celery from the experts at Gardeners’ World.

Choose the best celery

Celery should be firm and tightly formed, with evenly shaped stalks and fresh-looking leaves.

How to prepare celery

The tougher outer stalks are the best to cook with - just pull them off at the base and use a peeler to remove any tough strings. The inner, more tender stalks are better for eating raw. Snap them off as you need them, then trim the ends and wash. The leafy tops can be used in salads.

How to store celery

In a perforated bag in the vegetable drawer of the fridge for around 2 weeks. Leave the stalks attached to the base until you're ready to use them.

How to cook celery

Crop the stalks and the leafy tops and eat raw in a salad. Braise to eat as a side dish (10-15 minutes); slice diagonally for stir fries (stir fries in 4-6 minutes) or chop and add to soups and stews.

Alternatives to celery

Try carrot.

Discover our top 10 ways to use up leftover celery.

Celery (2024)

FAQs

What are the benefits of eating celery? ›

Although celery has a high water content, it contains numerous vitamins and minerals, including potassium and calcium, which are important for 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.

Can you eat celery everyday? ›

For example, celery's high water and fiber content could mean eating excessive amounts can cause gas, bloating, and digestive upset. Aim for eating three to five servings of vegetables like celery a day. 5 Eating even more servings of vegetables, both cooked and raw, is better.

Why do you have to eat celery before bed? ›

As per research, celery contains a unique compound called 3-n-butylphthalide (BuPh) that reportedly has lipid-lowering powers (cholesterol is a lipid). BuPh also has a calming effect on our central nervous system that may help promote better sleep.

Can celery be eaten raw? ›

Celery can be eaten raw in salads or chopped up and cooked with vegetables such as onions, carrots and leeks as a base for soups, sauces and casseroles. The larger outer stalks are best for cooking, while the inner stalks are more tender, so ideal for eating raw.

Does celery burn belly fat? ›

Celery is a popular vegetable that has few calories and is rich in nutrients like fiber. A lot of people drink celery juice to reduce belly fat, but there is a lack of scientific evidence to support this application.

Does celery clean your body? ›

Like other juicing trends you may have heard of, celery juice has been celebrated across blogs and social media as a drink that can help rid your body of toxins. But while the humble green stalk does have its benefits, it's not a miracle potion — and it's not medicine.

Can too much celery be bad for you? ›

Dieters should be careful not to overdo it on celery because it is so low-calorie and could lead to malnutrition. While fiber is great for you, too much can cause bloating, gas and diarrhea.

When should you not eat celery? ›

According to Eat By Date, celery has gone bad when its stalks become soft and bendable, the color becomes pale and faded, and the center of the stalk hollows out. Does It Go Bad says to toss your celery if it shows signs of mold, is mushy, or slimy. These are all signs that celery has gone bad.

Why do I feel good after eating celery? ›

Celery is rich in various antioxidants that possess anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and anti-viral properties. The nutritional value of celery is impressive in this regard. Celery also contains a compound called luteolin that can prevent inflammation in the brain cells.

Does celery have side effects? ›

Some people are allergic to celery. Allergic reactions can range from skin rashes to anaphylaxis. Celery can also cause sensitivity to the sun. Pregnancy: Celery oil and celery seeds are likely unsafe when taken by mouth during pregnancy in the amounts found in medicine.

How many sticks of celery should I eat a day? ›

Celery stalk salt content is low, and you also get fiber, magnesium and potassium to help regulate your blood pressure, as well. “To get the benefit, you should eat roughly four stalks – one cup, chopped – of celery daily,” Dr.

Is celery good for your liver? ›

Celery: Rich in vitamins A, B and C, this is great for the liver as well as a mild diuretic for the kidneys. Celery has phytonutrients that help to protect the digestive tract and liver.

What is the healthiest way to eat celery? ›

Try these options for including celery in your diet:
  • Dip celery sticks into hummus.
  • Add chopped celery to tuna salad or chicken salad.
  • Stir-fry celery slices with red chiles for extra spice.
  • Simmer diced celery with carrots and onion in homemade chicken noodle soup.
Aug 11, 2023

Are peanut butter and celery good for you? ›

Celery with peanut butter is rich in vitamins, minerals, fiber, and heart-healthy fats. Its low carb content and high fat content makes it an appropriate snack for people following a keto diet.

Is celery good for arthritis? ›

In addition to being very nutritious, celery juice could help: Relief inflammation. An anti-inflammatory diet is an important part of fighting diseases like rheumatoid arthritis. Certain phytochemicals extracted from celery have demonstrated anti-inflammatory properties.

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