Fascinating Facts - Celery
- Celery is a member of the Umbelliferae family, which also includes carrots, parsley, dill, cilantro, caraway, cumin, and the poisonous hemlock.
- Celery is about 12 to 16 inches tall and is composed of leaf-topped stalks arranged in a conical shape and joined at a common base.
- A medium stalk of celery contains around 10 calories, 2g of carbohydrates, 1g of protein, zero fats and cholesterol! Calories digesting it than are consumed when it eating it, which supposedly helps with weight loss.
- Celery, onions, and carrots make up the "holy trinity," known as the "mirepoix," of French cuisine. These three vegetables are used together as the base for many French dishes, including sauces, stews, soups, and stocks.
- Select celery that is compact in shape where the ribs feel firm and crisp and the leaves are green.
- Celery should be refrigerated in a plastic bag and placed in the crisper for up to two weeks. If the ribs are wilted, separate the ribs and place them in a bowl of ice water for several minutes before use.
- It takes just one ounce of celery seeds to produce an acre of celery.
- Celery is often sold in loose stalks and also pre-packaged celery hearts.
- Celery hearts are the inner ribs of the celery.
- Celery is available year round.