Originally a bitter, wild marsh plant ranging from Sweden south throughout Europe, celery has been used over the centuries for medicinal purposes. Today, it is a staple food for dieters due to the fact that the process of digesting celery burns more calories than you absorb from eating it.
Care and Handling
Ideal Storage Temperature: 34° -36°F. 90-95% relative humidity. Because celery will wilt quickly, do not store uncovered. For best quality, sprinkle lightly and wrap in plastic before refrigerating. Keep refrigerated until ready to use.
Tips
- Good quality celery should have straight stalks with rigid ribs, which should snap when bent. Inside surfaces should be clean and smooth. Leaves should be fresh, green and show no signs of wilting.
- Don’t throw away celery that has been in your refrigerator a little too long and gone limp. Revive the stalks (or extend the shelf-life of fresh celery) by shaving a small amount off from the butt-end, soaking in luke-warm water (1/2 hr. or more), and refrigerating.
Did You Know?
Using a celery stick to garnish a Bloody Mary originated in the 1960s at Chicago’s Ambassador East Hotel. An unnamed celebrity got a Bloody Mary, but no swizzle stick. He grabbed a stalk of celery from the relish tray to stir his Bloody Mary and history was made.