The top benefits, nutritional values, Uses and storage of Celery

Celery was originated in the Mediterranean and north parts. It is a part of the Apiaceae family and is used all over the world in various cuisines. Celery was referenced many times in Mediterranean history and myth. Different variety of celery was also found in King Tut’s tomb.

The health benefits of celery include lowering weight loss, high blood pressure, reduces arthritis pain, cholesterol levels and detoxifies the body.

Lowers inflammation

Celery contains antioxidants and polysaccharides which reduces inflammation, chronic diseases, and inflammatory conditions.

Reduces high cholestrol

Celery contains 3-n-butylphthalide (BuPh) and has a lipid-lowering effect which reduces high cholesterol levels in the body.

Treats high blood pressure

Celery has anti-hypertensive properties and contains potassium and calcium which lowers high blood pressure, reduces the risk of coronary heart disease and maintains heart health.

Prevents liver disease

Celery contains vitamin C, vitamin A, vitamin B, and iron and diuretic properties that detoxify the body by removing toxins, wastes, and contaminants from the body. It also reduces the risk of liver diseases and protects kidney and liver health.

Ights infections

Celery is used to boost the immune system, fight bacterial infections and other types of infections as it contains antibacterial and antimicrobial properties.

Cures bloating and improves digestion

Due to celery antihypertensive properties, it helps to reduce high blood pressure, treats water retention, boosts digestion and relieves bloating.

Prevent ulcers

Celery has a special type of ethanol extract which prevents the formation of ulcers and treats it. It also promotes the health of colon, intestines, and stomach as it contains tannins, flavonoids, alkaloids and volatile oils in it.

Prevents Urinary Tract Infections

Celery has diuretic properties that help in preventing urinary tract infection and stimulates urination. It also treats kidney problems, bladder disorders, cystitis, and other similar conditions.

Lowers Arthritis Pain

Celery has anti-inflammatory properties and diuretic properties which helps in reducing the pain and swelling around the joints. It also contains  85% 3-n-butylphthalide (3nB) which provides relieves in muscular pain and arthritis. Celery also removes uric acid crystals that build up around the body’s joints which will boost the pain and discomfort. It also can increase the regrowth of tissue in inflamed joints.

Anticancer Properties

Due to celery antioxidant properties and it contains luteolin that has anti-cancer properties which help to reduce the cancer cells, increases the production of WBC.

Boosts Immune System

Celery contains vitamin C and antioxidants which help to protect from various diseases like flu and colds and boosts the immune system.

Reduces Asthma Symptoms

Vitamin C found in celery reduces anti-inflammatory condition, free radicals and reduces asthma symptoms.

Improves Heart Health

Celery promotes cardiovascular health as it contains fiber, organic chemicals, and vitamin C.

Regulates Fluid Balance

Celery contains sodium and potassium which maintains the fluid balance in the body.

Relieves Migraines

Celery contains coumarins which provide relief from migraines and headaches.

Controls Diabetes

Celery has high fiber content which helps in maintaining diabetes and reduces its symptoms.

Prevents Cataracts

Celery reduces macular degeneration, cataracts and improves eye health.

Nerve Tonic

Celery helps to calm the nerves as it contains calcium in it.

Weight Loss

Celery helps in reducing the weight of the body as it is high in fiber and low in calories. It reduces the carvings of eating more as it keeps you feel full for a long time.

Celery can be eaten at any time of day. Celery Goes Well with apples, artichokes, carrots, cauliflower, celery root, fennel, endive, kohlrabi, mushrooms, onions, potatoes, shallots, scallions, squash, water chestnuts, turnips, tomatoes, raisins, and watercress. Herbs and spices such as dill, basil, turmeric, cloves, pepper, chives, cumin, parsley, pepper, mustard, tarragon, and thyme. Dairy products such as cream, yogurt, cream cheese, cheese, Parmesan cheese, and goat cheese. And other products such as almonds, peanuts, walnuts, pecans, quinoa, tofu, lentils, barley, chicken, various sausages, rice, risotto, beef, seafood, and eggs

Celery Nutrition Facts

Celery contains minerals like calcium, sodium, copper, magnesium, iron, zinc, and atomic number 19. It contains fatty acids and vitamins as well as vitamins A, K, C, E, D, and therefore the B vitamins (thiamin, riboflavin, folic acid, vitamin B6, and aliment B12). It additionally contains fiber.

How to buy and store celery

Buy celery which is green in color, has fresh and crisp leaves. Do not buy the leaves which shows discoloration. Celery can be stored up to a week in a refrigerator.

Ways to use celery

Celery can be used in a variety of ways

• Salad: Add chopped celery leaves to vegetables or meat of your choice. Add salt and crushed pepper to the salad. For the dressing, drizzle lime juice and olive oil.
• Fruit Salad: Mix sliced apples and nuts such as peanuts, raisins, etc. with chopped celery leaves in a bowl. Mix orange juice with mayonnaise and drizzle it over the mixture.
• Soups: Add celery stalks and leaves to soups, gravies, etc. as per your choice.
• Add chopped celery to your favorite tuna fish or chicken salad recipe.
• Enjoy the delicious tradition of eating peanut butter on celery stalks.
• Use celery leaves in salads.
• Braise chopped celery, radicchio and onions and serve topped with walnuts and your favorite soft cheese.
• Next time you are making freshly squeezed carrot juice gives it a unique taste dimension by adding some celery to it.
• Add celery leaves and sliced celery stalks to soups, stews, casseroles, and Healthy Stir-Fries.
• Consider the purchase of celery in its non-Pascal varieties. Root celery can be served as a major plate vegetable all its own, and leaf celery can be substituted for parsley in almost any recipe.

• Celery can be enjoyed raw or cooked. Raw celery is often consumed as an appetizer, either on its own or stuffed with cheese, a seafood mixture, poultry, eggs, or peanut butter.
• Raw celery can also be added to salads and sandwiches for added crunch. Try adding chopped celery the next time you make tuna, chicken or egg salad sandwiches.
• The addition of celery adds a nice crunch to this fennel, celery and radish salad.
• Celery is wonderful cooked in soups, sauces, stews, pasta, tofu dishes, quiches, omelets, and rice recipes. It is especially good in this celery and parmesan orzo salad, a perfect dish for potlucks and picnics.
• The bright, herbaceous flavor is the perfect ingredient in a sophisticated celery soda infused with lemon and black pepper.
• Celery seeds are slightly bitter and have a concentrated celery flavor. They are often used the whole or crushed in stuffing, poached vegetables, crackers, marinades, and dips or sauces.

• Think outside the stalk with celery! Try using celery juice to make popsicles, an innovative way to incorporate celery’s nutrition into your diet.

Season in which celery is available

Celery is available all year round

How to make Celery vegetable rice

Ingredients

1.  Basmati rice – 1 cup

2. Chopped celery stem – 1/2 cup

3.  Chopped onions – 1/2 cup

4.  Chopped carrots – 1/2 cup

5.  Cinnamon stick -2

6.  Cloves – 2-3

7.  Cardamom -1

8.  Cashews – a few

9.  Turmeric powder – 1/4 teaspoon

10.  Cooking oil – 2 teaspoons

       Ingredients of wet masala: 

1. Chopped celery leaves – a few

 2. Ginger – 1″ piece

3.  Garlic pods -2-3

4. Green chili -2-3

5. Fennel seeds – 1/2 teaspoon

6. Mint leaves -3-4

Method

1. Wash and chop pearl onions, carrots, and celery stem fine and keep it aside as shown in the above image.

2. Wash and drain basmati rice and keep it aside in a bowl/plate aside.

3. Place a  cooker on medium flame with 2-3 teaspoons of cooking oil in it on medium flame.  When heated, cinnamon stick, cloves, and cardamom to it.  When a pleasant aroma oozes out, add cashews and fry till done.  Now add chopped onions, turmeric powder, and salt and fry till transparent.  When done, add chopped celery stem from step-1 to it and cook till done.  Add chopped carrots, green peas as well to it and give a stir.

4. In the meantime, grind all the ingredients of wet masala in the mixer adding water in steps to a fine consistency.  Add this masala to the seasoning in the mixer, and stir till you get a pleasant aroma.                                                                                                                        5. Finally, add rice from step-1 to it and add the required quantity of water checking for salt and close the lid and cook for about 20 minutes on medium flame.  

6.  When done, just release the pressure and is as shown in the image below.

7. Transfer it to a serving plate and relish it with a salad or any dish of your choice. 

Note

1. Always use good quality basmati rice for the dish.

2. Use fresh celery for a better flavor.

3. One may use some vegetable stock even instead of adding normal water to the dish.

4. If one likes to relish the dish plain, squeeze a dash of lemon juice while serving.

How to make south Indian celery poriyal

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoon coconut oil
• 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
• 3 dry red chilies
• 1 tablespoon urad dal (white lentils)
• 10 curry leaves (optional)
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 whole bunch celery, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup water
• 1/8 cup dry shredded coconut (unsweetened)
• Salt to taste

Method:

1. Rinse and clean the celery stalk well. Chop them into tiny pieces and set aside.
2. Heat oil in a kadai. Once hot, add mustard seeds and let it pop. Then throw in the red chilies, urad dal and curry leaves. Saute for a minute.
3. Add the onions, little salt, and turmeric powder and saute for 5-8 minutes. Finally, add the celery and water. Cook covered for 15 minutes for crunchy poriyal or 20 minutes for a softer version.
4. Add coconut, salt to taste and mix well to combine. Serve hot with rice, sambar or rasam.

Safety profile for using celery

Individuals who suffer from a bleeding disorder, low blood pressure and renal issues should not consume celery before consulting the doctor. People who are allergic to celery should not consume celery as they can make prone to sun damage. Women who are pregnant should take advice from their doctor before using celery. Other than that celery does not have any side effects.

Drug Interactions

Celery should not be consumed if you are taking some medicine as they can cause interactions.

• Celery seed consumption might hamper the effectiveness of Levothyroxine, which is a drug used for correcting low thyroid function. Taking the two together is, therefore, not recommended, unless approved by the doctor first.
• Celery has been associated with increased sleepiness and drowsiness, and thus, taking it along with sedative medications might make one excessively sleepy.
• Since celery use itself has been found to increase one’s sensitivity to the sun, coupling it with medications that engender the same effect could increase the chances of sunburn, blistering, or rashes on areas of skin exposed to sunlight. So, if you happen to be on any drugs that make you more susceptible to sun damage, its best to limit your intake of celery and shield your exposed skin with sunblock and protective clothing when spending time in the sun.

Fun facts about celery

• Cultivation of celery is believed to have started 3000 years ago in the Mediterranean region.
• Celery was first used as a food during the 16th century in Italy.
• The first recorded mention of celery in France was in 1623.
• Celery was first mentioned in English in 1664 by the diarist John Evelyn, who spelled it sellery.
• April is National Fresh Celery Month.
• Celery can reach a height of 3.3 feet.
• Celery was initially used as medicine in the treatment of toothache, insomnia, hypertension, anxiety, arthritis, rheumatism and to purify the blood.
• Ancient Romans used celery as an aphrodisiac.
• Celery was used as an ancient “bouquet of flowers”, to reward winners of athletic games in Ancient Greece.
• Celery was first introduced to America in 1856 when a Scotsman named George Taylor brought celery to Kalamazoo, Michigan.
• The town of Celeryville, Ohio, was founded by early 19th-century celery farmers.
• There is a celery museum in Portage, Michigan, called the Celery Flats Interpretive Center.