Stew and Soup Essential: Texas Celery
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This week's featured seasonal veggie makes soups and stews complete (which is perfect for winter). From the Cajun Trinity, French Mirepoix, all the way to Italian Soffritto, celery's (how long does celery last?) sweet and hearty flavor profile adds that wonderful body to many a soup and stew.
Hard time getting kids to eat veggies? Try ants on a log! Not familiar with it? It's a celery stick, dip it in peanut butter (how long does peanut butter last?), and sprinkle rasins or chocolate chips (how long do chocolate chips last?) on it! Guaranteed to get your kids munching on a stick of celery. Hey, they have to start somewhere right?
Can celery be grown in Texas?
If you haven't gotten it from the title, yes, celery is grown in Texas! Because of the wide range of growing zones in Texas, you can easily find celery around the State's farmers markets almost the whole year round and the juiciest and crunchiest ones from late fall to early spring!
Two Main Types of Celery
There are two main types of celery: Trench and Self-blanching celery. Now, self-blanching doesn't mean that it cooks itself, but rather it's a type of celery that doesn't need to have soil mounded up against the stems as they grow as opposed to trenching celery that needs to be planted in, you guessed it, trenches!
Picking the Best Celery
Here are some things to keep in mind when buying celery.
Look for firm, green, and tightly packed stalks.
They should have medium-thick ribs that are crisp enough to break easily.
Check also the leaves and make sure they are not wilted, and they must have a vibrant green color.
Avoid celeries that have discoloring, brown spots, or yellowing.
Brown or yellow on the leaves means that the celery is a bit older
. If the stalks are starting to dry at the top, turn yellow or brown, or feel soft, look for a different one.
Note: If you’re buying pre-cut celery stalks, look for bright green stalks that feel crisp. Pay attention to the ends of the stalks. If the cut ends look a little dry, that’s fine. If the ends of the stalks look yellow or brown, shriveled, or soft, you must look for a different one.
History of Celery
Celery was originally from the Mediterranean basin. Ancient literature documents that celery, or a similar plant form, was cultivated for medicinal purposes before 850 B.C. It’s claimed medicinal purposes were probably attributable to its volatile oils, contained in all portions, but mostly the seed.
During ancient times Ayurvedic physicians used celery seed to treat the following conditions: colds, flu, water retention, poor digestion, various types of arthritis, and liver and spleen ailments. Woven garlands of wild celery are reported to have been found in early Egyptian tombs.
Enjoying Celery
All parts of the celery are edible. It can be used in soups, side dishes, juices, and eaten by hand as a snack. It is a friend to those following a low-carbohydrate diet as it serves as an excellent vehicle for peanut butter, dips, tuna salad, etc. It also gives us a fair amount of vitamins and minerals for minimal carbohydrates and calories.
A very versatile ingredient, celery adds texture, color, flavor, and nutrients to meals and snacks. They are often used in the preparation of omelets, casseroles, sauces, salads, and cocktails. It is also used to make broths, soups, and stews. Leaves are mostly used for decoration and the seasoning of dishes. Celery can be added to almost anything.
Braise, steam, or sauté celery and add it to meats such as turkey, chicken, and roasts, or chop it up and place it in side dishes, such as whole grains and stuffing. It also pairs well with proteins and can be used as a substitute for crackers and bread.
Nutritional Value of Celery
Celery is a low-calorie vegetable that’s packed with a host of vitamins and minerals. One cup of celery contains about 6 calories, 95 milligrams of potassium, and 25 micrograms of folate. It’s also a good source of dietary fiber and vitamin K.
What happens when you eat celery daily?
Well, you might end up turning into a human-sized celery stick! But all jokes aside, eating celery every day will give your body a healthy dose of fiber, vitamins A and C, potassium, and folic acid. It's also low in calories, which makes it an ideal snack for weight loss. So enjoy your crunchy treat, but don't forget to add some variety to your diet too!
Our Favorite Celery Recipes
Although celery is ultimately famous as being a base for soups and stews and as part of the Trinity, celery can be the star of many dishes! Utilizing simple ingredients and fresh vegetables, celery is a very versatile ingredient that can be used in vegetarian versions of popular dishes and standalone dishes.
1. Celery and Apple Salad: diced celery, sliced apples, walnuts (how long do walnuts last?), and a simple honey-orange dressing make this an easy yet delicious side dish!
2. Celery Root Soup: combine cubed celery root with other veggies like carrots and potatoes for a cozy winter soup that's sure to warm you up!
3. Roasted Celery Sticks: this simple snack is a great way to get your crunchy fix! Simply roast celery sticks until golden brown and enjoy them plain or dipped in your favorite dip or sauce.
4. Baked Celery Fries: slice up some celery stalks into fry-like shapes, coat them with olive oil and your favorite spices, then bake until crispy! (Or if you really want it to be indulgent, deep fry them!
5. Celery Stir Fry: stir fry sliced celery with bell peppers, fresh vegetables, garlic, ginger, and soy sauce (how long does soy sauce last?) for a flavorful Asian-inspired dish. Perfect over rice (how long does rice last?) or noodles!
6.Tomato and Celery Saute: It's incredibly easy to make and is sure to become a favorite! Start by sautéing diced celery in olive oil until it's lightly browned, then add minced garlic and diced tomatoes. Cook for several minutes, then season with salt and pepper. Serve over cooked pasta (how long does pasta last?) or as a side dish - enjoy!
For more information on celery, local celery farms, and places to get celery in Texas, check out our TexasRealFood Promptuary here.
