Celery root, or celeriac, is a winter root vegetable native to Northern Europe and the Mediterranean. With a style just like celery stalks and flesh just like that of a potato, this root veggie is full of fiber and vitamins.
Attributes
The greens celeriac and celery are from the identical plant, because the title suggests, with celeriac varieties being cultivated to reap the roots and celery for the stalks. Celeriac is wealthy in lots of key vitamins and will be loved each cooked and uncooked. Peak season for celeriac is over the winter, with finest availability from September by means of April. That makes this bulbous root veggie an ideal supply of vitamins throughout these lengthy, chilly Inland Northwest winters.
Superpowers
Excessive in fiber, vitamin Ok, potassium and phosphorus, celeriac is scrumptious in soups, sauteed or mashed, and packs a juicy refreshing crunch if eaten uncooked. Cooked celeriac accommodates lower than half the carbohydrates of potatoes, whereas boasting comparable fiber content material. Fiber is a vital a part of any food regimen, retaining your intestine microbiota fed and wholesome. Uncooked celeriac is full of antioxidants, together with vitamin C. This pairs nicely with iron-rich meals like leafy greens or lentils, since vitamin C helps your physique take in non-heme iron. One other vital nutrient present in celeriac is vitamin Ok, which has been linked to improved coronary heart, bone and mind well being.
Weaknesses
Whereas celeriac is an extremely versatile and wholesome veggie, some vitamins are misplaced through the cooking course of. Specifically, warmth typically breaks down vitamin C and antioxidants, and reduces ranges of different vitamins. If antioxidants are vital to you, attempt consuming celeriac uncooked, or steam it to protect extra vitamins than boiling. Though warmth breaks down antioxidants, it is also value noting that cooking celeriac does assist to cut back carbohydrate content material and makes the veggie extra digestible.
Find out how to Use It
With a light candy celery taste, celeriac will be ready because the star of the present, like in a wealthy and creamy celeriac soup, or as a aspect dish, reminiscent of a heat Mediterranean slaw. To make it as a soup or mash, first boil or steam peeled cubes of celeriac. Celeriac will also be made as a easy sauteed veggie by combining cubes with a little bit olive oil, herbs and spices, and sautéing till golden brown. Lastly, celeriac will be eaten uncooked – simply peel and grate or julienne, then mix with a squeeze of lemon and a few salt and pepper. Whether or not you select to arrange this versatile veggie in a hearty winter soup or as an additional crunch on a summery salad, it is distinctive taste and vitamins are positive to deliver smiles to your desk.
Stacey Aggarwal obtained a Ph.D. in pharmacology from the College of Washington. Now she writes about biology, well being and diet whereas operating a lavender farm in North Idaho.
