Celery
Description
Celery is a vegetable with a fresh, slightly spicy-bitter taste and a distinct celery aroma; the stalk variety has firm, green stalks and leaves, while the root celery is characterized by a round, rough bulb with a creamy interior. It is low in calories, rich in fiber, potassium, vitamins K and C, and folates, and also contains antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds (e.g., apigenin), which support digestion, help regulate blood pressure, and have diuretic and detoxifying effects. In the kitchen, celery is suitable for raw snacks, salads, and dips, is a base for broths, soups, stews, and braised vegetables, and pairs well with carrots, onions, potatoes, apples, and fish; root celery can also be roasted or blended into a puree. Store the stalks in the refrigerator wrapped in plastic or in water to maintain crispness, and keep the root in a cool, moist place or in the refrigerator wrapped in paper, which can extend freshness for up to several weeks.