In botany, there are more than 20 species of wild and cultivated celery. The most popular are 3 varieties of fragrant celery: root, petiole and leaf. All of them, although they have similar properties, differ from each other in appearance.
Instructions
Step 1
Celery is a truly unique plant. You can eat this vegetable completely, which is called "from tops to roots." Celery roots, stems, leaves and seeds are used in cooking. Celery is a storehouse of vitamins and valuable microelements. This vegetable has won special love among those who want to lose weight. The calorie content of root celery is only 34 kcal, and the calorie content of petiole is even less - 13 kcal. per 100 g. This is one of the products with the so-called "negative calorie content": the body spends more energy on the digestion of celery than it receives from its use.
Step 2
Root celery is a brown knobby tuber. In appearance, it resembles a deformed turnip or beet. Before cooking, the root should be thoroughly rinsed and peeled. In cooking, celery root is mainly used during the preparation of first courses. It is added to fish or meat broth to give these dishes a special aroma and to add a touch of freshness to their taste.
The raw root can be used in vitamin salads, but in small quantities. Celery has a distinct specific taste that can overpower other ingredients. A very tasty dish - celery puree. Celery tubers, boiled until soft, are kneaded with a blender or crush, gradually adding milk or cream. The result is a dish similar to traditional mashed potatoes, but more tender, aromatic and healthy.
Step 3
Petiole celery is grown for its crispy stems. The length of the stems can be up to 70 cm. The stalks of the celery are green. The lighter the shade of the stems, the younger the celery. Some celery shoots can appear hard and fibrous due to the tough veins on the stem surface. These veins do not affect the usefulness and taste in any way. Before preparing food, simply remove it with a sharp knife or vegetable peeler. In very young shoots of celery, fibers are almost not felt, so it can not be peeled.
Step 4
Fresh celery stalks are a great base for diet salads. Celery goes well with any vegetables. Tomatoes, cucumbers, bell peppers, Chinese cabbage, leafy lettuce varieties: by combining these ingredients, you can get many recipes for delicious and healthy salads. It is better to use lemon juice and vegetable oil as a dressing. Add celery to soups and main courses. The usual borscht will amaze you with a new fresh taste, if you add finely chopped celery stalks to it along with tomatoes and beets.
Step 5
Leafy celery resembles parsley leaves in appearance, but has a characteristic pungent odor. This type of celery is used as a herb, as well as dill, cilantro and basil. Leaf celery is prized for its original aroma and high vitamin content.
