Celeriac / Celery Root

Also known asCelery Root · Turnip-rooted Celery · Apium graveolens var. rapaceum

Name: Celeriac, also called celery root or knob celery (Apium graveolens var. rapaceum) — a knobbly, rough, brown, round root with creamy white flesh and a mild celery-and-parsley flavour. It is a type of celery grown for its root, and not simply the root of ordinary celery.

Description

Celeriac was developed from wild celery in the Mediterranean, and has been grown in Europe since at least the 17th century. It is especially popular in northern and central Europe, particularly in France, Germany, Poland and Scandinavia, where it is a winter staple that stores well.

It is ugly, with a gnarled surface and trailing roots, but the peeled flesh is pale, firm and fragrant. It can be eaten raw, in the French salad céleri rémoulade, with a mustardy mayonnaise, or cooked into soups, purees and gratins.

Main nutrition value

Celeriac provides vitamin K, vitamin C, phosphorus, potassium and fibre, and is lower in carbohydrate than potato.

How best to be consumed

Celeriac is peeled thickly, and used raw or cooked.

1. Cut away the knobbly skin with a sharp knife, then dice, slice or grate, placing in lemon water to prevent browning.
2. Grate raw into céleri rémoulade with mustard mayonnaise, or into slaws.
3. Roast cubes or wedges, or mash with butter or potato for a lighter, more flavoursome mash.
4. Add to soups, stews and gratins, or serve as thin chips.
5. Choose firm, heavy roots with few knobs, and store in the fridge.

Overconsumption could cause…

Celeriac is safe and healthy in food amounts.

1. Celery allergy, which can be severe, since celeriac is a major allergen in Europe, and may cross-react with birch and mugwort pollen.
2. Possible effects on warfarin and similar blood-thinning medicines because of the vitamin K content.
3. Gas or bloating in some people from the fibre.
4. Added cream, butter and mayonnaise in classic dishes.

GroupsRoot VegetablesCarrot and parsley family (Apiaceae)Low fatLow sodiumRich in vitamin KFresh

Related foodsBaby CarrotCarrotParsnipPurple CarrotBeetrootGolden Beet

Wikipedia — Celeriac, used for origin, naming and history: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Celeriac