Celeriac – The Spicy Tuber Vegetable

It is also called root celery and belongs to the umbelliferae family. The bulbous root is up to 20 cm thick, is yellowish-white, greenish or brownish and has white flesh.

Origin

Celeriac was probably first cultivated in the Mediterranean region. Today it is grown in France, the Netherlands, Belgium and Germany, among others.

Season

We have celeriac available all year round. Its main season is from October to March. It is often offered as a soup green with carrots, leeks, parsley and possibly parsley root.

Taste

Its flesh tastes fresh and spicy. The high content of essential oils gives celeriac its typically bitter taste. Smaller tubers are more tender, tastier and have less fiber.

Use

Celeriac is often used raw in salads. The Waldorf salad with apples and walnuts is particularly well known. Drizzle the peeled or chopped flesh with lemon juice or cook straight away, as it will darken quickly in the open air. Cooked, celery tastes very good in soups or mixed vegetable side dishes. But it is also delicious breaded and fried.

Storage

It is best to store celeriac in the vegetable compartment of the refrigerator. It should be wrapped in a damp kitchen towel.

Durability

When shopping, prefer small, firm and heavy bulbs. They are not hollow and fibrous inside. If there is still green, make sure the leaves are fresh. Stored in a cool, dark place, celery can be kept for up to 2 weeks.

What does a celeriac taste like?

Raw, celeriac has fantastic crunch and a super nutty, celery-like flavour that makes it perfect for salads and slaws. Cooked, it takes on a slight sweetness that works well mashed, baked, roasted or boiled.

What’s the difference between celery and celeriac?

Celeriac has a flavor similar to regular celery, but it’s slightly nutty with a hint of parsley. Unlike celery, it has a firm, nonfibrous texture similar to a turnip. Its flavor is a little more pronounced, especially when comparing cooked celeriac and cooked celery.

Is celeriac better for you than potato?

With only 5.9 grams of carbs per 3.5 ounces (100 grams) of cooked vegetables, celeriac is a healthier, lower-carb alternative to potatoes (2). Plus, a crunchy, fresh, 3.5-ounce (100-gram) serving of raw celeriac has only 42 calories and 0.3 grams of fat — making it an excellent low-calorie food.

How do you eat celeriac?

• Steamed Mussels with Pernod, Celery Root and Saffron Aïoli.
• Spiced Pork with Celery Root Purée and Lentils.
• Potato and Celery Root Mash.
• Braised Chicken with Celery Root and Garlic.
• Celery Root and Potato Latkes.

Is celeriac a laxative?

It can be served as an aperitif and has diuretic, laxative, anti-rheumatic, and tonic effects. Celeriac juice helps ulcers and injuries to heal when applied directly as a compress.

Does celeriac give you gas?

Celeriac is low in calories and fat but contains various essential oils, including phthalides and apiin, which are very important to health. These essential oils make celeriac easily digestible, have a stimulating effect on digestion and metabolism and can ward against excess gas.