Search

Sale

Celery (Apium graveolens)

N$35.00

Celery is a versatile vegetable that is commonly used in cooking and is known for its crisp texture and mild, slightly peppery flavor. It is a member of the Apiaceae family, which also includes carrots, parsley, and fennel. Celery is popular in various culinary applications, including salads, soups, stews, and as a crunchy snack.

Qty
Compare

186 in stock

Celery is a versatile herb that is widely cultivated for its flavorful and aromatic leaves, stems, and seeds. Here is a description of celery herb:

  1. Botanical Name: Celery belongs to the botanical genus Apium graveolens. It is a member of the Apiaceae family, which also includes parsley, carrots, and fennel.
  2. Appearance: Celery is a biennial plant that typically grows to a height of 12 to 24 inches (30 to 60 centimeters). It has bright green, pinnate or bipinnate leaves with serrated edges. The leaves grow in a rosette pattern and have a fresh, crisp texture.
  3. Stems: The thick, succulent stems of celery are the most commonly consumed part of the plant. They are typically pale green to white and have a crunchy, fibrous texture. Celery stalks are often eaten raw as a snack or used in salads, soups, and various dishes to add a mild, earthy flavor and a pleasant crunch.
  4. Flavor and Aroma: Celery has a distinct, clean, and slightly peppery flavor. Its aroma is fresh and herbaceous, with hints of earthiness. Both the leaves and stems contribute to its unique flavor profile.
  5. Nutritional Value: Celery is low in calories and a good source of essential nutrients, including dietary fiber, vitamins (such as vitamin K, vitamin C, and vitamin A), and minerals (such as potassium and folate). It is also known for its high water content, making it hydrating.
  6. Culinary Uses: Celery is a versatile herb used in a variety of culinary applications. It is a common ingredient in salads, stuffing, soups (like celery soup or chicken noodle soup), stews, and as a garnish for cocktails like the Bloody Mary. It is also an essential component of the classic mirepoix, a mixture of celery, onions, and carrots used as a base in many French and Mediterranean dishes.
  7. Medicinal Uses: Celery has been used in traditional medicine for its potential health benefits. It is believed to have anti-inflammatory properties and may help with digestion. Some people use celery juice for detoxification and as a dietary aid, although scientific evidence supporting these claims is limited.
  8. Culinary Varieties: There are different varieties of celery, including Pascal celery (the most common type), celeriac (a type with a large, edible root), and leaf celery (cultivated primarily for its leaves and seeds). Each variety has its own unique culinary uses.

In summary, celery is a versatile herb known for its crisp stems, mild flavor, and various culinary and potential health benefits. It adds depth and freshness to a wide range of dishes, making it a popular ingredient in kitchens worldwide.

Best Planting Time

You may plant Celery any time of the year especially off the cold season.

Marturity

Harvesting:

Baby Celery: You can start harvesting celery as soon as the stalks are large enough to use, typically when they are around 6-8 inches (15-20 centimeters) tall. You can cut individual stalks as needed without pulling up the entire plant.
Full-Sized Celery: For full-sized celery stalks, you'll need to wait until they reach their mature size, which can take several months. This is usually around 12-14 inches (30-35 centimeters) tall.
It's important to note that celery is a bit of a slow-growing vegetable, but the flavor and texture are worth the wait. Additionally, some gardeners choose to blanch celery by gradually mounding soil or mulch around the base of the plants as they grow. This blanching process results in milder, less bitter stalks and can add a few weeks to the growing time.

Overall, the time it takes to start using celery after planting can vary, but you can begin harvesting baby celery relatively early, while full-sized celery will require more time and patience.

Size Of The Hole

The size of a hole for Celery when planting should be 40cm (length) by 40cm (width) by 40cm (height).
Prepare the soil by adding organic matter and ensuring good drainage before planting.

Spacing

The ideal spacing for Celery is 0.3m between rows and 0.3m within the row, this is to ensure that you cater for good air circulation and leave room for growth of the plant. Note that Celery thrives in full sunlight, so choose a location that receives at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day.

Irrigation

Establish a Watering Schedule:
Water at least 3 times a week during all seasons.
Water deeply to saturate the root zone at least twice a week.

Deep Watering:
When irrigating, apply water slowly and deeply to encourage deep root growth. This helps the plants to access water stored deeper in the soil, making it more resilient to drought.

Mulching:
Apply a layer of organic mulch, such as wood chips or straw or compost, around the base of the plants to help conserve soil moisture, regulate soil temperature, and reduce weed competition.

Micro-jet irrigation is an excellent choice for the plants because they deliver water directly to the root zone.

Water atleast 3 times a week.

The best time to water is in the early morning hours before sunrise and in the evenings when the rate of evaporation is very low. You may choose either time for you to water your plants.

Fertilization

Apply comfrey liquid or animal manure such as goat or cow rotten manure.

Health Benefits

Celery offers a range of potential health benefits due to its nutritional content and natural compounds. Here are some of the health benefits associated with consuming celery:

Low in Calories: Celery is a low-calorie food, making it a great option for those looking to manage their weight while still enjoying a satisfying crunch.

Rich in Nutrients: Celery is a good source of essential vitamins and minerals, including vitamin K, vitamin C, vitamin A, potassium, and folate.

Dietary Fiber: Celery contains dietary fiber, which can aid in digestion, promote regular bowel movements, and help maintain a healthy digestive system.

Hydration: Celery has a high water content, which can help keep you hydrated, especially on hot days.

Antioxidants: Celery contains antioxidants, including flavonoids and polyphenols, which help protect cells from damage caused by free radicals. These antioxidants may contribute to reduced oxidative stress and inflammation.

Anti-Inflammatory Properties: Some compounds in celery, such as apigenin and luteolin, have anti-inflammatory properties. These compounds may help reduce inflammation in the body, which can be beneficial for overall health.

Blood Pressure Management: Celery contains phthalides, which may help relax the blood vessels, potentially leading to lower blood pressure. Consuming celery regularly may support cardiovascular health.

Cholesterol Reduction: There is some evidence to suggest that celery may help lower LDL (bad) cholesterol levels. This is partly attributed to the phthalides and fiber content in celery.

Weight Management: The high fiber content in celery can help you feel full, reducing overall calorie intake and aiding in weight management.

Digestive Health: Celery may stimulate digestive enzymes and improve gastric health. It can also serve as a natural diuretic, promoting the removal of excess fluid and waste from the body.

Alkalizing Properties: Some proponents of alkaline diets claim that celery's high water and mineral content can help balance the body's pH levels, although scientific evidence for this specific benefit is limited.

Potential Anti-Cancer Properties: Celery contains compounds like coumarins and polyacetylenes that have been studied for their potential anti-cancer properties. However, more research is needed in this area.

It's worth noting that while celery offers these potential health benefits, it should be part of a balanced diet, and its effects can vary from person to person. Incorporating a variety of fruits and vegetables into your diet, including celery, can contribute to overall health and well-being. If you have specific health concerns or conditions, it's always a good idea to consult with a healthcare professional or registered dietitian for personalized dietary recommendations.

Mode of use

Celery is a versatile vegetable that can be used in various ways in the kitchen. Here are some common ways to use celery:

Snacking: Celery sticks make for a healthy and crunchy snack. You can dip them in hummus, peanut butter, cream cheese, or your favorite dip for added flavor.

Salads: Celery adds a refreshing and crisp texture to salads. You can chop celery into small pieces and toss it into green salads, pasta salads, or coleslaw.

Soups and Stews: Celery is a key ingredient in many soups, stews, and broths. It adds flavor and a subtle, earthy aroma to dishes like chicken noodle soup, vegetable soup, and gumbo.

Stir-Fries: Include celery in your stir-fry dishes for added crunch and flavor. It pairs well with other vegetables, meats, and tofu.

Stuffed Celery: Celery can be filled with various spreads and toppings, such as cream cheese, peanut butter, or tuna salad. These make for tasty appetizers or snacks.

Sauces and Gravies: Celery is a component of the classic mirepoix, a mixture of celery, onions, and carrots used as a base in many sauces and gravies. It imparts depth of flavor to the sauce.

Juicing: Celery juice has gained popularity for its potential health benefits. You can juice celery on its own or combine it with other fruits and vegetables for a refreshing drink.

Smoothies: Add chopped celery to your fruit or green smoothies for an extra boost of nutrients and a hint of freshness.

Stuffing/Dressing: Celery is a common ingredient in stuffing or dressing for poultry, adding flavor and texture to holiday dishes.

Pickling: Celery can be pickled to create a tangy and crunchy snack or a condiment to accompany sandwiches and salads.

Garnish: Celery leaves and stalks can be used as garnishes for cocktails, including the classic Bloody Mary. The crisp celery adds a decorative touch and can be a functional stirrer.

Dehydrated or Powdered: Celery can be dehydrated and ground into a powder, which can be used as a seasoning in various dishes to add a mild, herbal flavor.

Remember that both the celery stalks and leaves can be used in cooking, so don't discard the leaves—they can add extra flavor to your dishes. When using celery, it's essential to wash it thoroughly, especially if you plan to consume it raw, to remove any dirt or pesticides. Celery is a versatile ingredient that can enhance the flavor and texture of many recipes, so feel free to get creative in the kitchen with this versatile vegetable.

Reviews

There are no reviews yet.

Be the first to review “Celery (Apium graveolens)”

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Back to Top