Celerybration

Celerybration

By Jens Geffken - Written 17 Feb 25

Why Celery is the Underrated Super-Vegetable. Celery is more than just a dip garnish or soup seasoning – it is a powerful, health-promoting vegetable with a long history. Whether as a medicinal plant in ancient Egypt, a symbol of victory in ancient Greece, or a detox wonder in modern nutrition science, celery has earned its place in the kitchen and medicine over the millennia.

Vegetable with History

In ancient Egypt, celery was not only eaten but also used as a burial offering, showing that it was regarded with special significance. In Greece, celery symbolized victory – winners of the Isthmian Games were awarded wreaths made of celery leaves. The Romans valued celery for its supposed aphrodisiac properties, while during the Middle Ages, monks grew it in monastery gardens to harness its healing powers. A story from France claims that Madame de Pompadour, the famous mistress of King Louis XV, regularly consumed celery soup to spark her passion.

Nutritional Powerhouse

Celery is made up of about 95% water, but the remaining 5% packs a punch. Here are the key nutrients per 100g:

  • Calories: 16 kcal
  • Carbohydrates: 3g
  • Fiber: 1.6g
  • Protein: 0.7g
  • Fat: 0.2g
  • Vitamin C: 3mg
  • Vitamin K: 29.3µg (24% of the daily requirement)
  • Folate: 36µg
  • Potassium: 260mg
  • Calcium: 40mg
  • Magnesium: 11mg
  • Antioxidants: Apigenin, Luteolin

Studies show that celery has anti-inflammatory effects, can lower blood pressure, and reduces cellular damage due to its antioxidant properties. The apigenin it contains is being studied for its potential cancer-fighting properties.

Celery Soup with Coconut Milk

  • 500g celery
  • 1 paprika
  • 2 spoons of soyasauce
  • 1 can coconut milk
  • 500ml vegetable broth
  • 1 tsp turmeric
  • ½ tsp ginger powder
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • Salt & pepper to taste

Cut celery into pieces, chop paprica. Heat olive oil in a pot, sauté paprika and soyasauce. Add celery, pour in the broth, and simmer for 15 minutes. Add coconut milk, turmeric, and ginger, season with salt and pepper. Blend and serve warm.

Crispy Celery Fries with Sesame Dip

  • 1 celery root
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp paprika powder
  • Salt & pepper
  • 3 tbsp tahini (sesame paste) (dip)
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice (dip)
  • 1 tsp soy sauce (dip)
  • 1 tbsp water (dip)

Peel celery root and cut into fries. Mix with olive oil, paprika, salt, and pepper, then bake in the oven at 200°C for 25 minutes. For the dip, mix all ingredients. Serve the crispy celery fries with the dip.

More Than Just Soup Vegetable!

Whether as a crunchy snack, in soups, or as a detox juice – celery deserves recognition. It’s healthy, versatile, and full of interesting history. So it’s time for a Celerybration on your plate 🎉