Celery

Celery (Apium graveolens) is a vegetable and herb that belongs to the Apiaceae family. It is well-known for its crisp texture, refreshing taste, and versatility in culinary applications. Celery is widely used in various cuisines around the world and is also valued for its potential health benefits. Celery juice has gained significant popularity as a health trend in recent years, with proponents claiming various health benefits. It involves juicing fresh celery stalks to extract the liquid and consuming it on its own, typically first thing in the morning.

This is March’s product of the month.

Here are some key points:

  1. Botanical Characteristics: Celery is a biennial plant, meaning it completes its life cycle in two years. In its first year, it produces a rosette of leaves and a cluster of roots. In the second year, it produces flower stalks and seeds. However, it is often harvested in the first year when the stalks are tender and flavorful.
  2. Appearance: Celery has long, fibrous, and crunchy stalks that grow in tight bundles. The stalks are usually pale green, but there are also varieties with red or purple stalks. The leaves are dark green and resemble parsley leaves. The plant can grow up to 1-2 feet in height.
  3. Culinary Uses: Celery is a staple ingredient in many dishes. It is often used in salads, soups, stews, stir-fries, and as a flavoring agent in stocks and broths. The crunchy texture of the stalks makes it an ideal addition to vegetable trays and as a raw snack. Celery is commonly served with dips, peanut butter, or cream cheese.
  4. Nutritional Value: Celery is low in calories and carbohydrates, making it a popular choice for those on a diet. It is a good source of fiber, vitamins, and minerals. It contains vitamin K, vitamin C, potassium, folate, and vitamin A. The seeds of celery are used to extract celery oil, which is used in the food and cosmetic industries.
  5. Health Benefits: Celery is not only delicious but also offers several potential health benefits. It may help lower inflammation, support heart health by reducing blood pressure, and aid in digestion due to its fiber content. Some studies suggest that celery contains compounds with antioxidant properties and may have anticancer effects, but more research is needed in these areas.
  6. Medicinal Uses: In traditional medicine, celery has been used for various purposes, including as a diuretic to promote urine production, to alleviate arthritis and gout symptoms, and to treat mild digestive issues.
  7. Growing Conditions: Celery is a cool-season crop and prefers temperatures between 55°F to 70°F (13°C to 21°C). It requires a fertile, well-draining soil with plenty of organic matter. The plant also needs consistent moisture, as it can be susceptible to bolting (premature flowering and seed production) in hot and dry conditions.
  8. Harvesting and Storage: Celery can be harvested when the stalks are of sufficient size, typically around 3 months after planting. To store celery, it is best to wrap the stalks in damp paper towels and place them in a plastic bag in the refrigerator. This can help keep celery fresh for up to two weeks.
  9. Varieties: There are several varieties of celery available, with differences in stalk color, flavor, and size. Some common varieties include Pascal, Golden Boy, Redventure, Tango, and Tall Utah.
  10. Allergies: Some people may be allergic to celery, and the reactions can range from mild to severe. Allergic reactions to celery are more common in individuals who are also sensitive to birch pollen or certain other fruits and vegetables.

RECIPE:

Did you try celery Juice 🙂 ?

Simply shred celery in a Slow Juice machine. The quantity depends on what you want. You can add carrots, coriander, apple, ginger… It’s up to your taste.

If you want to follow the 28-day protocol and discover the benefits of celery juice, check out the Medical Medium Page.

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