Celery

About: There ought t'be some way t'eat celery so it wouldn't sound like you wuz steppin' on a basket"- Kin Hubbard. 

Celery’s crunchy texture is one of the qualities that make it so popular. Celery is low in calories but full of flavor, making it a dieter’s staple. It contains phthalides, which have been shown to reduce stress hormones and help relax the muscle walls in arteries, increasing blood flow. Because of this, celery is often used in Chinese medicine to help regulate blood pressure. Crunchy and calming! 

 Nutritional Info: 1 cup of celery is just 18 calories. Celery is a great source of Dietary Fiber and Vitamins A and C. 

Storage: Wrap raw celery in plastic or aluminum foil or keep in a container for 1-2 weeks of fridge life.

Tips: Because of its high water content, celery has a tendency to wilt quickly, so it should not be kept at room temperature for very long. If you have wilted celery, sprinkle it with a little water and place it in the refrigerator for a few hours. It should regain its crispness.

Quick Fix: Chop washed celery stalks into pieces, then spoon out peanut butter into the hollow part of the stalk. Place a few raisins on top and sprinkle on a pinch of cinnamon. “Ants on a log” just got a flavor twist!

Recipes: Braised Celery, Cream of Celery Soup, Almond Baked Celery