Celery
At our organic farm in Arlington, VA that delivers fresh vegetables to the DC Metro Area, we harvest celery that you won’t find in your grocery store. Our pink and green celery is harvested young for a thinner, more tender texture that’s loaded with that unmistakable fresh celery flavor. Perfect for everything from soups to salads, it’s a vegetable that’s as nutritious as it is flavorful.
What is Celery?
Celery is a member of the Apiaceae family, which also includes carrots, parsley, and fennel. Originating from the Mediterranean region, celery has been cultivated for centuries for its aromatic stalks, leaves, and seeds. Unlike the bulky stalks you’ll find in the grocery store, our young celery is slender, tender, and intensely flavorful, with a slight herbal sweetness and a crisp bite.
How to Prepare Celery
Celery is incredibly versatile and can be used raw or cooked. Before using the celery, rinse the stalks and leaves thoroughly under cold water to remove any soil or grit.
Here are three simple ways to enjoy it:
Raw: Chop the tender stalks and leaves to add crunch to salads or use them as a vehicle for dips like hummus or nut butter.
Mirepoix: Make a traditional base to add depth of flavor. Use this mirepoix recipe to be used in many dishes.
Soups: Enhance the flavor of your winter soups by sautéing celery with onions and carrots to create a fragrant base.
Pickled Celery: Slice thinly and quick-pickle with vinegar, sugar, and salt for a tangy garnish for grain bowls.
Celery Health Benefits
Celery is nutritious and low in calories. Here are some of its many health benefits.
Hydration Boost: With over 95% water content, celery helps keep you hydrated.
Rich in Antioxidants: Contains flavonoids and vitamin C to reduce inflammation and support your immune system.
Digestive Health: High in fiber, celery promotes healthy digestion and can aid in maintaining a balanced gut.
Heart Health: Celery contains potassium, which helps regulate blood pressure, and phthalides, compounds that may improve circulation.
Celery Facts
Historical Uses: Celery was used as a medicinal herb in ancient Egypt, Greece, and Rome before becoming a popular food crop.
Natural Dye: Pink celery owes its blush hue to anthocyanins, a type of antioxidant also found in blueberries and red cabbage.
Edible Leaves: Don’t toss the leaves! They’re packed with flavor and can be used as an herb in soups, salads, or sauces.
Seasonal Favorite: Celery thrives in cooler weather, making it a perfect addition to your winter vegetable box.
Whether you’re snacking on it raw, simmering it into soups, or using it to add a pop of color to your plates, our young pink and green celery is a must-try this season. Enjoy its tender texture, bold flavor, and nutritional benefits while supporting local, sustainably grown produce.
Area 2 Farms for Locals
Your food should be equally accessible and nutritious. Which is where we come in. We’re Area 2 Farms, we grow fresh, organic produce, deliver it to your door weekly, and operate all within 10 miles of you.
