Celery Root

Celery root, also named celeriac, turnip-rooted celery, and knob celery, is literally the root of the celery plant. But it is not the root of vegetable you buy regularly for its leaves or stalk, called celery. This vegetable, celery root, is specially cultivated for its root or base.

It is often neglected and misguided. Celery root is the ugly duckling of the vegetable family. It’s an unattractive fruit but it’s well worth and similar to potato both in texture and starchy nature but it is lesser in carbs as compared to potatoes which are the good thing about it. You can replace it with potato when you want to have a baked potato as it is less in calories.

See Other Root Vegetables and, Stir-Fried Lotus Root,  Stir-Fried Burdock

Physical Appearance

The gnarled root of celery looks rough, thick, and light brown bulb root. It has a great variety of sizes from small to large but the average diameter is 10-14 centimeters. It has a round shape slightly flattened and is covered by small rootlets which form crevices on its surface.

When you remove the outer thick ugly layer of celeriac or celery root you will get a crispy, dense, and firm white flesh looking pretty. You can eat it raw or cut it in winter salads. The crisp root transforms into a tender and smooth texture when cooked, similar to the flesh of the cooked potato.

How to Peel Celery Roots

The hideous-looking celery root is difficult to peel or clean. So here I am giving how do I clean the celery root which shall be helpful for you and I hope you would try it next you buy it. Do not think of washing the dirt off the celery root.

It’s worthless because we are not going to use the skin. You should not use the potato peeler because the skin of celery root is very thick, very dirty, and oddly shaped for the peeler. Instead, you should use a knife. With a knife, remove the top and bottom of the celery root. With flat bottom on the cutting board, use your knife to take off about a ¼ inch of the peel, all around the root.

You are going to miss a bunch of spots and it’s still going to be very dirty but that’s ok. Once you have most of the peel off, trash the peel, and clean up the cutting board. Rinse the celery root under cold water to remove the dirt.

Take a look around the celery root and cut away any remaining peel or dark spots, where the peel has folded into the root itself until you are left with an all-white root. Rinse off the root one more time and you are good to go. 

Aroma and Taste

You cannot judge a thing because of its appearance until your know-how is its inside so is that in the case of celery roots.

This celery root has a taste like a cross between a stalk of celery and parsley. It has a little nutty flavor making it a lovely roasting veggie.

Cooked celery root delivers nutty sweetness with a warm, buttery, earthy quality that is endlessly un-comparable.

 Being a cousin of celery, celeriac or celery root smells much like earthy celery when fresh and it hardly smells at all when old. The smell of celery root is a little bit less than that of celery stalk.

Once you smell it you are going to love it. Homemade Celery Salt and  Celery Root White Bean Stew.

 Origin

Celery root is popular in Northern and Eastern European regions and Middle East Mediterranean as a winter root vegetable and is commonly used in salads, soups, casseroles, stews, and purees. It is also cultivated in North Africa, Siberia, Southwest Asia, and North America.

The records of celery roots are recorded in history. It was used by ancient Egyptians, Romans, and Greeks for medicinal purposes. The early Greeks called it Selinon and it is also mentioned in Hommer’s Odyssey (a poem by Hommer) in 800 B.C.

Celery roots did not gain the status of important vegetable until the middle ages. In 1623, it was first recorded in France as a food plant and by the end of the 17^th century, it was commonly cultivated in most of Europe.

Seasons and Availability of Celery Roots

Celery roots are available throughout the year but you will find the best in winters from October to April.

You can buy the roots from vegetable outlets and shops. They are also available at grocery stores or easily buy it online at low prices.

When you are buying celery roots you should buy carefully and not take the soft, bruised, or wrinkled roots. You should select the roots that feel firm and heavy for their size. If stalks are attached they should look fresh.

Nutrition

Celery root is a great nutritional source having a lot of fibers and vitamins B6, C, and K. It is also a good source of antioxidants and important minerals, such as phosphorus, potassium, and manganese. It contains calories and no fats.

Storage

 Celery root should be stored in a cool dry place. If you keep it loosely wrapped in a plastic bag in the fridge, it would last several weeks and even longer if it was harvested freshly. Before storing it you should be sure that stalks are removed off the root to store them safely for a long time.

Health Benefits of Celery Root

Prevents osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is a disease in which the bones become porous and fragile, leading to an increased risk of breaking or fracturing. It primarily affects women who are age fifty and older, but can occur in younger people who have already suffered significant physical damage to their bodies from accidents or other injuries.

If you are looking for a vegetable that has powerful antioxidants with anti-osteoporosis effects, look no further than celery root. Celery root is a traditional Chinese herb that has been used to treat osteoporosis and other health problems for centuries.

Celery root is also rich in vitamin K? which is essential for bone health. In fact, celery root is among the best providers of essential vitamin K. Adequate amount of vitamin k is essential for making your bones healthy and strong. Vitamin K does this by increasing bone mineralization as well as facilitating the production of bone cells.

Additionally, this root contains other bone-friendly minerals like calcium, manganese, and phosphorus which maintain bone strength and structure. 

In recent years, studies have shown that celery roots can improve bone density and prevent fractures in the elderly. However, if already on medication and you’re considering incorporating celery root into your diet, be sure to speak with your doctor first to ensure it is safe for you.
Nonetheless, if you are looking for an effective way to prevent osteoporosis, be sure to include celery root in your diet.

Strengthens the immune system

Various researchers have hailed celery root as an immune system booster, but what does this mean exactly?

Here are five ways celery root can help improve your immune system:

1. It boosts the production of white blood cells. Celery root is a great source of antioxidants, which help protect your cells from damage. In addition, celery root contains compounds that stimulate the production of white blood cells.

2. It supports the functioning of the lymph nodes. The lymph nodes are important because they help control the spread of infection throughout your body. Celery root helps to maintain their function by providing nutrients and antioxidants that support cell growth and immune function.

3. It helps to reduce inflammation. Inflammation is one of the key factors that can damage your immune system and lead to disease. Celery root has compounds that can reduce inflammation in the body, which can help improve your overall health.

4. It supports digestive health. A healthy gut equals a strong immune system. Celery root is a good source of fiber and minerals and helps prevent constipation and other digestive issues. A diet rich in fiber can also help prevent digestive problems, including diverticulitis and colorectal cancer.

Improves heart health

Celery root is an impressive vegetable that can improve heart health. It contains an important antioxidant called betalain that boosts the antioxidant level in the blood, which then protects your heart against damage.

In recent years, more celery root health benefits have come to light, with research revealing that it can improve heart health by improving blood flow and decreasing inflammation, both of which may reduce the risk of heart disease.

Lowers blood pressure

Several factors can contribute to high blood pressure, but it is always important to have a healthy diet and lifestyle. Celery root can help lower high blood pressure because it is low in sodium and cholesterol and rich in potassium.

One of the primary benefits of celery root is that it can lower blood pressure. According to a study published in the journal Phytotherapy Research, participants who were supplemented with celery root experienced a significant drop in their blood pressure levels compared to those who didn’t receive any supplementation. The study participants who supplemented with celery root also had a lower risk of developing hypertension over the course of six months.

Maintain healthy skin

Skin problems are one of the most common challenges that people face. Whether they’re dry, oily, or acne-prone, they can be hard to manage. Sometimes the only solution is to go see a specialist, but there are many other ways to maintain your skin’s health. Celery root is one such natural remedy for skin problems.

Celery root has been used as a natural remedy for a variety of skin problems. Here are five reasons why a it is a great option for skin care:

• Celery root is high in antioxidants, which can fight against damage caused by the sun or pollution.
• It has anti-inflammatory properties, which can help to soothe and relieve the symptoms of skin conditions like psoriasis or eczema.
• Celery root is known to contain detoxifying properties, which can help to rid the skin of toxins and impurities.
• As an astringent, celery root can help to tighten and reduce the appearance of pores on the skin.
• Finally, celery root is also a natural source of moisturizing properties, so it can help to keep the skin hydrated and smooth.

Maintains brain function

Celery root is a vegetable that has been used for centuries to help maintain brain function and improve cognitive function. Celery root can help improve memory, focus, and attention span.

It is also a natural source of antioxidants, which may protect the brain from damage caused by free radicals.

In one study, authors tested celery root extract in mice with Alzheimer’s disease and found that it improved memory and reduced the levels of beta-amyloid plaque in their brains.

Fights cancer

Celery root is a simple vegetable that can have extraordinary nutritional benefits like fighting cancer. Scientists have found that celery root can fight cancer in several ways. Firstly, it helps reduce the growth of cancer cells. Secondly, it can stop the spread of these cells to other parts of the body. And lastly, it can help destroy cancer cells.

Relieves arthritis symptoms

celery root is a natural remedy for arthritis. The vegetable’s water and fiber content help to soothe the inflamed joints, while its anti-inflammatory properties reduce inflammation and pain. Celery root also helps to promote better joint function and mobility.

According to studies, celery root contains compounds called glucosinolates which are believed to be responsible for the anti-inflammatory effects of celery. In addition, celery is a good source of vitamin B6, magnesium, and zinc, all of which are essential for healthy joints.

Other Root Vegetables

1. Sunchoke
2. Watermelon Radish
3. Fennel Bulb
4. Beets
5. Jicama
6. Yellow Yam
7. Sweet Potato
8. Cassava

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