National Fresh Celery Month in April each year celebrates one of the produce world’s shining stars. It may not get much attention — celery side dishes aren’t all that common, after all — but celery offers crunchy freshness that few other vegetables can match. Celery is a terrific addition to weight-loss regimens, it’s reasonably inexpensive to buy, and it adds new vitality to your meals. It’s endemic to the Mediterranean area and has been farmed since ancient times.
History of National Fresh Celery Month
In April, we celebrate National Fresh Celery Month, which provides an opportunity to try new recipes and expand our culinary horizons. Celery can be used for more than just peanut butter sticks and drinks. Celery can be a stunning addition to a dish when combined with the right ingredients. Celery’s beauty is that it adds a crunch, a splash of color, and a subtle flavor without being overpowering. While we like to use peanut butter to fill the celery’s handy groove, there are plenty of alternative options. Seasoned cream cheese, hummus, or chicken salad are all good options.A little salad of sliced celery, grapes, and walnuts served with a mild vinaigrette is just delightful. Remember to use celery leaves. Add them to your salads as well! Combine goat cheese mixed with red onion for a different salad twist. Peanut butter and celery are a match made in heaven; it is another method to make it more interesting. It’s more than a mid-afternoon snack. Celery is also a great addition to many soups and simply needs to be included in a veggie mix.When it comes to the main course, celery goes well with almost any protein, even non-animal varieties. Celery will add texture and taste to any dish, whether it’s chicken, steak, or beans. During National Fresh Celery Month, explore the wide range of recipes available with this versatile veggie.
National Fresh Celery Month timeline
Celery is discovered in Europe’s Mediterranean region.
Celery gets its first mention (as ‘sellery’) in English by John Evelyn.
Celery makes its first appearance in the United States when George Taylor, a Scotsman, brings it to Kalamazoo in Michigan.
Celery gains popularity in the United States, becoming the third most common delicacy on New York City menus, only behind coffee and tea.
National Fresh Celery Month FAQs
How long does fresh celery last in the freezer?
Fresh celery lasts about two months in the freezer. You can retain more flavor and extend the shelf life by blanching celery before freezing it.
What can you do with a frozen celery plant?
Freezing celery changes its texture, causing it to lose some of its crispness. Frozen celery is best for cooked dishes. It works well in soups, stews, stuffings, and stir-fries.
Why do you drink celery juice in the morning?
Stress plays havoc with our digestive systems. Celery juice, with its sodium content, increases stomach acid. When drunk first thing in the morning, it prepares the digestive system for the day.
National Fresh Celery Month Activities
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Add celery to your shopping list
This is the perfect time to include celery in your grocery list. Get creative and add it to some of your meals to celebrate.
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Learn about celery’s nutritional benefits
Research all the minerals and vitamins that celery provides the body. Share your newfound knowledge with others and introduce them to this amazing veggie.
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Search for new recipes
As a versatile food, it’s no surprise that celery has several culinary applications. Look up various options and give them a go! Better still, come up with your own special creation.
5 Facts About Celery That Will Blow Your Mind
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Scarce commodity
Celery was more expensive than caviar in the 1800s and 1900s because it was more difficult to farm.
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Giant veggie
Celery can reach as high as 3.3 feet.
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Getting your green on
Celery was used as an aphrodisiac in ancient Rome.
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Musee de celery
Portage in Michigan plays host to a celery museum known as the Celery Flats Interpretive Center.
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Veggie of champions
Celery was once used as a flower bouquet to honor champions in sports competitions in Ancient Greece.
Why We Love National Fresh Celery Month
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Wide-ranging culinary applications
It's delicious in stir-fries, smoothies, soups, and drinks, and it can be eaten raw or cooked. Celery can be baked or steamed as well.
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Healing properties
Celery is beneficial to persons with rheumatism, arthritis, and gout. It has anti-inflammatory effects that assist to lessen joint swelling and pain.
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High vitamin K content
Carrots are well-known for their vitamin K content, but celery has even more. Celery has about 29 micrograms of vitamin K per serving.
National Fresh Celery Month dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | April 1 | Saturday |
| 2024 | April 1 | Monday |
| 2025 | April 1 | Tuesday |
| 2026 | April 1 | Wednesday |
| 2027 | April 1 | Thursday |
