Here are some important facts about celery (Apium graveolens L.):
🌱 Botanical family: Belongs to the Apiaceae (carrot) family.
🏺 Origin: Native to the Mediterranean region; used since ancient times in Egypt, Greece, and Rome for food and medicine.
🍃 Edible parts: Stalks, leaves, and seeds are consumed; seeds are also used as spices and in traditional medicine.
💧 Water content: Very high (about 95%), making it low in calories and refreshing.
💊 Nutritional value: Rich in vitamins A, C, and K, potassium, folate, and antioxidants like flavonoids and phenolic acids.
💡 Health benefits:
Helps reduce blood pressure due to phthalides (which relax blood vessels).
Supports digestion with dietary fiber.
Has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
Promotes hydration and weight management.
🧪 Phytochemicals: Contains apigenin and luteolin, bioactive compounds studied for their potential anticancer and neuroprotective effects.
🌍 Cultivation: Grows best in cool climates with moist, fertile soils; sensitive to heat and drought stress.
🛒 Uses:
Consumed raw in salads, juices, and smoothies.
Cooked in soups, stews, and sauces for flavor.
Seeds used in spice blends and as a base for celery salt.
⚠️ Allergy note: Some individuals may experience celery allergy, which can be severe in rare cases (linked to oral allergy syndrome).
Introduction to Celery
Celery (Apium graveolens) is a popular vegetable and herb grown worldwide for its crisp stalks, aromatic leaves, and nutrient-rich seeds. Belonging to the Apiaceae family, celery is widely used in soups, salads, juices, and herbal remedies.
Native to the Mediterranean, celery thrives in cool, moist conditions and is valued for both its culinary versatility and health-promoting properties.
Celery Plant Quick Facts
-
Common Name: Celery
-
Botanical Name: Apium graveolens
-
Family: Apiaceae
-
Plant Type: Biennial (grown as an annual)
-
Height & Spread: 1–2 ft. tall, 6–12 in. wide
-
Soil Type: Moist, rich, well-drained
-
Soil pH: Neutral (6.0–7.0)
-
Sun Exposure: Full sun
-
Native Area: Mediterranean and Middle East
Types of Celery
There are three main types of celery grown worldwide:
-
Stalk Celery (Pascal Celery): Common supermarket variety with thick, crunchy stalks.
-
Leaf Celery: Grown mainly for its leaves and strong flavor, used in soups and seasonings.
-
Celeriac (Root Celery): Grown for its edible, turnip-like swollen root.
How to Grow Celery at Home 🌱
Celery can be challenging to grow but rewarding when done right.
1. Soil & Location
-
Prefers moist, fertile, well-draining soil enriched with compost.
-
Plant in a location that receives 6+ hours of sunlight daily.
2. Planting
-
Start seeds indoors 10–12 weeks before the last frost.
-
Transplant seedlings outdoors when temperatures stay above 50°F (10°C).
-
Space plants 8–10 inches apart for healthy growth.
3. Watering
-
Keep soil consistently moist. Celery has shallow roots and wilts quickly in dry soil.
-
Mulch around plants to retain moisture.
4. Fertilizing
-
Feed regularly with a balanced fertilizer high in potassium.
-
Side-dress with compost mid-season for strong stalks.
5. Harvesting
-
Harvest celery stalks when they reach 8–10 inches tall.
-
Cut outer stalks first and allow inner ones to continue growing.
Celery Nutrition Facts 🥗
Celery is low in calories but high in nutrients. One cup of raw celery (100g) provides:
-
Calories: 16
-
Water Content: 95%
-
Vitamin K: 37% of daily requirement
-
Vitamin C: 5%
-
Potassium: 260 mg
-
Folate: 9%
👉 Rich in antioxidants, flavonoids, and dietary fiber.
Health Benefits of Celery 🌿
✔️ Supports digestion – High in fiber, improves bowel health.
✔️ Hydrating – With 95% water, helps maintain hydration.
✔️ Anti-inflammatory – Contains antioxidants that fight inflammation.
✔️ Heart health – Potassium helps regulate blood pressure.
✔️ Weight loss friendly – Low-calorie, crunchy snack for dieters.
✔️ Improves immunity – Boosted by vitamin C and flavonoids.
Common Problems in Celery Growing
-
Bolting: Caused by heat stress or cold snaps.
-
Blight & leaf spots: Prevent with proper spacing and crop rotation.
-
Pests: Aphids, armyworms, and slugs can damage stalks.
👉 Use organic pest control and keep soil healthy for prevention.
Uses of Celery
-
Culinary: Used in soups, stews, salads, and juices.
-
Medicinal: Seeds are used in traditional medicine for arthritis and high blood pressure.
-
Juicing: Popular in detox diets and wellness drinks.
Final Thoughts
The celery plant (Apium graveolens) is more than just a crunchy salad ingredient—it’s a powerhouse of nutrition and health benefits. While it requires careful watering and cool weather for growth, the rewards are worth the effort.
Whether you enjoy it raw, juiced, or cooked, celery is a superfood vegetable that deserves a place in your garden and your kitchen.