Nuts about celery

Nuts about Celery.

Botanical name and origin of Celery

Celery is known as Apium graveolens to the botanical world. It has been cultivated for approximately the past 3000 years. Apium originates from the Mediterranean region. The name originates from Latin and it means “strong smelling”. Celery is a member of the Parsley family.


Growing Celery

You should sprinkle the tiny seeds onto a seedbed or into a seed tray.” It is tricky to germinate, so you must take special care of the seed. Water celery seed with a fine sprinkle daily until the seedlings appear and are established. If you have planted them in trays, wait until they are about 6-8 cm before transplanting them.
Celery needs to be given a lot of compost and enjoys the soil to be moist. You should water your seedlings well if you are transplanting when the weather is dry. Good mulch will help the celery to thrive.

Celery’s companions

Leek, tomato, bush bean, cauliflower, cabbage, marigold, spinach and potato will thrive with celery as a companion.
Celery helps to keep cabbage fly away. Earthworms love celery, and will be encouraged to breed where celery is growing. You will be glad to have the earthworms in your garden, as they help to keep the earth soft and fertile.

Harvesting Celery

When you harvest celery, snap the stalks off at the base to allow for better re-growth. You should not use the leaves of celery in your food. It is better to use them in compost or as mulch.

Herbal uses of Celery

Celery has medicinal uses and the seeds are a very well known treatment for Rheumatism and Arthritis. Gout and urinary infections can be treated celery. It also lowers blood pressure. Not only does celery have health giving properties it is of great value in the kitchen.

Celery in the kitchen

Celery will liven up salads and stews. Celery salt can be made of dried celery.
You can use celery in soups to give that special flavour. The stalks make an invigorating in between snack…so remember to munch on that celery stick
The best way to eat it is raw, and the most delicious salad can be made using the following recipe:
Celery and nut salad
5-10 celery sticks
A big bunch of broccoli
A handful of pecan nuts or peanuts
3-4 slices of ham or salami (optional)
Small blocks of cheddar or feta cheese
Chop all the ingredients and add together in a bowl. Dress with lemon juice and olive oil…what a feast!

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