During the UK season our celery is often from a family run farm on the flat fenlands of Cambridgeshire, established in 1952.
At other times of the year the Salamita family based in Barcellina in the Messina region of northern Sicily provide us with some of our celery. They have their own land for vegetables and citrus orchards but also work with around 50 different growers as part of a co-operative. As well as celery and other veg, Salamita supply us with some of our pasta.
Part of the holy trinity (along with bell peppers and onions) in Louisiana Creole and Cajun cooking, celery is also a common ingredient in soups and is also used as one of the base ingredients for a whole range of French sauces and dressings.
Country of Origin - UK/Spain/Italy
Class - Minimum Class 2
Celery contains only 7 calories per 100g, which means you will probably burn off more calories eating it than it contains! Celery can help control your blood pressure. This is due to its high level of potassium and diuretic effect on the urinary system. Joint conditions can also benefit from its diuretic effect, by reducing the retention of unwanted substances. Calming effects can be seen from eating celery. There are essential oils and seeds in celery that contain tranquillising agents.
If you are using celery raw then you can simply break off a stick and rinse it. If you want, you can use a potato peeler to remove the strings, especially from larger sticks. This is the only preparation needed. It can also be sliced and used in salads. Bundle it up in cling film and keep in your fridge. By sealing it tightly, air will not be able to get to it and your celery will retain more moisture as well as crunch. Suitable for home freezing.
Stuck for ideas? Click here for Celery recipes