Celery

Stock: Use celery when making vegetable, meat or fish stock.

Celery gratin: Give celery its time in the spotlight by using it in a creamy baked gratin.

Crudités: Crunchy crudités are always a winning buffet feature.

Waldorf slaw: Celery is a key component in the classic Waldorf salad.

Celery soup: If you've got a big glut of celery, then there's no better way of using it up than blitzing into a smooth soup with potatoes and garlic.

Herby celery & bulgur salad: This recipe uses up a whole bunch of celery, but would still work if it were a few sticks short. It also makes use of the celery leaves, which are edible and can be added to salads or sandwiches.

Caponata: A Sicilian vegetable stew with aubergines, tomatoes, capers and raisins, perfect served on garlicky bruschetta, or as part of an antipasti spread. Cook the vegetables down until they’re soft but not broken up.

Chicken with braised celery & cider: If you have a real abundance of celery, use it as the main accompaniment to roast chicken.

 

May support heart health:  Although celery has a high water content, it contains numerous vitamins and minerals, including potassium and calcium, which are important for heart health. It also contains folate and vitamin K, both of which are required for the formation of red blood cells and effective blood clotting.

May support digestive function: Celery is a good source of both soluble and insoluble fibre, which is important for digestive function.

May be anti-inflammatory: Rich in plant compounds with anti-inflammatory properties, celery may be a useful inclusion for those with chronic inflammatory conditions like arthritis.

May improve memory: a study looking at the neuroprotective benefits of celery extract saw positive results in participants with dementia and Alzheimer’s.

May improve blood sugar management: With a low glycaemic index (GI) and a high fibre content, celery is useful for those who need to monitor their blood sugar levels. Studies also suggest it may be effective at reducing blood glucose levels.

Celery is possibly safe when the seed is used as medicine, short-term. But some people are allergic to celery. Allergic reactions can range from skin rashes to anaphylaxis. Celery can also cause sensitivity to the sun.