What is Celery Root?
Celery root is a type of root vegetable that belongs to the celery family. It has a knobby, irregular shape with rough, brown skin and creamy white flesh. Its flavor is reminiscent of celery, but with a milder and nuttier taste.
How to Choose and Store Celery Root
When selecting celery root from your grocery store or farmers market, look for firm specimens that feel heavy for their size. Avoid ones with soft spots or signs of mold. Ideally, choose smaller roots as they tend to have a more tender texture.
Once you bring the celery root home, it can be stored in the refrigerator crisper drawer for up to a week. Before storing, remove any attached leaves as they can draw out moisture and cause the root to spoil faster.
Step-by-Step Guide: Cleaning and Preparing Celery Root
Follow these simple steps to clean and prepare celery root:
- 1. Start by using a sharp knife to cut off the top and bottom ends of the celery root.
- 2. With the same knife, carefully peel the rough skin off the root, making sure to remove any knobby parts.
- 3. Once peeled, rinse the celery root under cold water to remove any remaining dirt or debris.
- 4. If desired, you can now slice the celery root into smaller pieces or leave it whole for cooking.
That’s it! Your celery root is now clean and ready to be used in your favorite recipes.
Tips and Tricks for Working with Celery Root
Here are some additional tips and tricks to make working with celery root even easier:
- 1. To prevent browning, you can soak the peeled celery root in a bowl of water mixed with lemon juice or vinegar.
- 2. Celery root can be eaten both raw and cooked. When raw, it adds a refreshing crunch to salads or slaws. When cooked, it becomes soft and creamy, perfect for soups, stews, or gratins.
- 3. Try adding celery root to mashed potatoes for a unique twist on a classic side dish.
- 4. The leaves of celery root are edible and can be used as a garnish or to add flavor to stocks and soups.
Now that you know how to clean and prepare celery root, don’t hesitate to experiment with this versatile vegetable in your kitchen. Its distinct flavor and texture will surely impress your taste buds!
Do you have any favorite celery root recipes or additional tips for preparing this vegetable? Share them with us in the comments below!