The inhabitants of ancient Greece and Rome kept celery as ... an ornamental plant. They also believed that celery root brings good luck and hung it on the doors of their homes, hoping that it would give them health, beauty and happiness. Celery is also known as a wonderful aphrodisiac who can ignite the fire of love. Modern varieties of this vegetable are widely used in the kitchen.
Root celery in nature grows in Western and Central Europe, Western Asia, South Africa and South America. Celery root size is similar to kohlrabi. It has an intense, distinctive taste and a slightly earthy smell.
Americans and Japanese, who are simply obsessed with proper nutrition, found 86 valuable ingredients in the composition of root celery. Among them are vitamins A, E, C, PP and folic acid. This vegetable contains twice as much vitamin C as citrus fruits - depending on the time of year and the storage method, its amount can reach up to 150 mg per 100 g. Celery also owes its nutritional glory to minerals that help the body absorb valuable and useful substances. In addition, celery root contains phosphorus, calcium, potassium, zinc, plus some magnesium and iron.
All the benefits of this vegetable are widely used in weight loss diets. Since celery contains a low amount of calories - it contains only 7 kcal in 10 grams of root, it speeds up digestion, which has a beneficial effect on the figure. A glass of celery root juice acts as an elixir of youth - it cleanses the body, removes puffiness, moisturizes the skin, strengthens hair and gives velvety skin.
It is well known that celery contains antidepressants, cleanses the body of toxins and is used as an anti-inflammatory agent. Celery is also known for its diuretic effect, therefore, it is very useful in diseases such as kidney failure or in the presence of kidney stones. He is also a good enough analgesic - juice made from celery root relieves joint pain. It stimulates appetite, metabolism, strengthens the immune system, helps in the treatment of upper respiratory tract and chronic kidney diseases, lowers blood pressure, improves heart function.
In cooking, it is celery root that is common , the recipes from which are quite simple and varied. It can be used as a base or in addition to a main course. Celery produces nutritious and delicious soups, sauces, salads and various snacks. Before further processing, the celery root needs to be cleaned and the residual side roots removed. Fresh vegetable can be grated and served with sauce. It can also be boiled or steamed. For example, a celery root salad is a great appetizer to facilitate the digestion of heavy foods. His recipe consists of raw grated celery root, a few drops of lemon, sugar and sour cream. To enrich the taste of the salad, you can add apples, raisins, ruccola, roasted nuts or kiwi to it.
A great idea would be to make cream soup. In this case, the celery root, washed and chopped, is cooked in broth and chopped in a blender. Celery patties made from slices of this healthy vegetable, egg and breadcrumbs can be somewhat unusual. But pickled celery is also especially tasty. To prepare it, you need to thoroughly wash and dry the root, peel off the skin and cut into thin strips. Then make a marinade - boil water with 3 tbsp. tablespoons of salt, 1.5 tablespoons of sugar and 5 tbsp. tablespoons of 6% vinegar. Add celery and bring to a boil. Transfer celery into a jar and pour the marinade, sterilize for 30 minutes and roll up.