Celery: a versatile, heat-resistant food
Celery is a delicious and nutritious root vegetable, often underestimated in our kitchens. In addition to being tasty, celery has the advantage of being heat resistant, making it an ideal ingredient for warm climates. In addition, it can be grown year round, providing a constant source of vitamins and minerals essential to our health.
How to grow celery all year round
- Soil selection: Celery prefers fertile soil, rich in organic matter and well drained. Make sure to prepare the soil by adding compost or manure before planting.
- Planting: You can grow celery from seeds or plants. The plants are ideal if you want to harvest quickly. Sow the seeds at a depth of about 0.5 cm and space them about 15 cm.
- Watering: Celery needs regular watering to keep the soil moist, especially during dry periods. Be careful not to water too much to avoid root rot.
- Fertilizers: To promote celery growth, you can use a balanced fertilizer rich in nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium. Apply fertilizer as recommended on packaging.
- Pest protection: Monitor pests such as slugs and aphids that can damage celery plants. Use natural methods such as mulching to keep them away.
- Harvest: Celery can be harvested from 3 months after planting. Cut the stems near the ground with a sharp knife. You can harvest the leaves to use in the kitchen or leave them to protect the floor.
Kitchen use
Celery is a versatile vegetable that can be used in many ways in the kitchen:
- Cru: Celery is delicious raw, adding a crisp texture and fresh flavour to salads and dips.
- Night: Celery can be cooked in different ways, whether grilled, sautéed, braised or boiled. It brings a rich flavor and a tender texture to the dishes.
- Bouillon: Celery leaves can be used to add flavor to homemade broths and soups, offering an extra aromatic touch.
- Juice: Celery is also a popular ingredient for green juices, offering a source of vitamins and minerals in a refreshing drink.
In short, celery is a versatile vegetable, heat resistant and cultivable year round. By integrating into your garden and recipes, you can enjoy its many health benefits and delicious flavour throughout the year.