Celery: the inconspicuous superfood from the vegetable patch
Celery is more than just a vegetable for making soup. This unassuming root vegetable is emerging as a real superfood with valuable nutrients for health and cooking. In this article, you will find out why celery deserves a permanent place in your fridge. Everything from its positive effects on digestion and inflammation to its versatility in cooking and tips on correct storage is covered.
Storage time*
| BioFresh Fruit & Vegetable safe just above 0 °C with high humidity | 28 days |
| EasyFresh safe 7 °C with air regulation plate | 13 days |
| Fridge compartment 7 °C | Celeriac: 10 days Celery: 8 days |
| Freezer compartment -18 °C | 6 months |
The key points
- Low in calories and rich in nutrients: celery approx. 12 kcal, celeriac approx. 21 kcal per 100 g
- Rich in vitamins: vitamins K, C, A and potassium
- Effect: anti-inflammatory, lowers blood pressure, aids digestion
- Can you eat it raw? Yes, in moderation, preferably fresh and unsprayed
- The difference: celery, mild and raw; celeriac, spicy and cooked
- Edible leaves: aromatic and healthy, use like parsley
Celery season: calories and nutrients in celeriac and celery
The celery season in Europe begins in summer with celery and continues into late winter for celeriac. Both varieties are ideal for a balanced diet. Celery provides important nutrients, such as vitamin K for blood clotting, vitamin C to support the immune system and potassium to regulate fluid balance.
But does celeriac have more calories than celery? Both are low in calories: celeriac has approximately 21 kcal per 100 g, while celery contains only around 12 kcal.
What makes celery special are its valuable nutrients. In addition to antioxidants and essential oils, it also contains apigenin. This secondary plant substance is said to have anti-inflammatory properties, making it popular in anti-inflammatory diets and detox cures.
What is celery good for? In addition to being a classic vegetable used in soups, it can be eaten raw in salads, steamed as a side dish or as a base for celeriac purée and schnitzel. Celery juice is also very popular.
Is celery poisonous or healthy when raw? The health benefits of celery and celeriac
Is celery poisonous or healthy when raw? Raw celery is healthy, but with limitations. It contains furanocoumarins, which can have a phototoxic effect at high levels of sunlight in sensitive individuals, especially when large quantities of raw celery juice are consumed. When consumed in moderate amounts, raw celery is safe and nutritious for healthy adults.
Celery and celeriac are both healthy. Celery is great for keeping you hydrated, while celeriac has the advantage of being high in fibre. Celery can be beneficial if you suffer from gout or high blood pressure, as potassium reduces uric acid levels and lowers blood pressure.
Celery is also great if you want to lose weight. Low in calories, high in fibre and with a high water content, it keeps you feeling full for longer with minimal energy intake.
If you want to be on the safe side, thinly peel raw celeriac before eating. This reduces potential irritants and allows you to enjoy the full health benefits of celery.
The difference between celery and celeriac
Both types of celery belong to the same plant species, but differ in their appearance, taste and use.
Celery (also known as ribbed celery) has long, crisp green stalks. It is usually eaten raw in salads or as a snack and is popular in smoothies or celery juice. With a high water content and few calories, it provides many vitamins such as A, K and C.
Celeriac, on the other hand, grows underground and develops into a round, coarse tuber. It has a more intense, spicier flavour and is usually boiled, baked or puréed. This makes it ideal for soups, stews or as a vegan alternative to schnitzel. Many nutrients are retained even after long cooking times.
Both types of celery should be stored at a cool temperature. If celery is wrapped in a damp cloth and stored in Liebherr’s BioFresh Fruit & Vegetable safe at just above 0 °C, it will stay fresh for up to 28 days, compared to only 8 to 10 days days in a normal fridge compartment. Both types are suitable for freezing once they have been washed and cut into pieces. They can be stored in airtight containers in the freezer for up to 6 months.
FAQ – celery
Yes, the leaves of celeriac are edible and have a very distinctive flavour. They contain essential oils and many secondary plant substances that can be good for your health. The leaves can be used like parsley. You can use them, for example, to season soups and stews or as a garnish. It is important that you use only fresh, green leaves, as wilted or yellow leaves can taste bitter.
Yes, celery is good for the digestive system. The high fibre content in celeriac supports healthy digestion and helps prevent constipation. In addition, the bitter substances and essential oils it contains stimulate the production of digestive juices. Celery, eaten raw or lightly cooked, can help strengthen your intestinal flora naturally.
*All specifications given are to be considered as guideline values, and depend in each case on the type of foodstuffs and on the proper storage without interruption of the cold chain from harvest/production through to the Liebherr appliance. Should food products have information about minimum shelf life, the date on the packaging always applies.
