
First attested in English in 1664, the word "celery" derives from the French céleri, in turn from Italian seleri, the plural of selero, which comes from Late Latin selinon, the latinisation of the Ancient Greek: σέλινον, romanized : selinon, "celery".
What does the name celery mean?
What does Celery mean? [ 3 syll. ce - le - ry, cel - ery ] The baby girl name Celery is pronounced S EH Leriy †. Celery's language of origin is English-American. The name is of the meaning 'refers to the refreshing and healthy food'. Variants of Celery include Celerea, Celereah, Celeree, Celerey, Celeri, and Celerie.
What is the meaning of celery?
Define celery. celery synonyms, celery pronunciation, celery translation, English dictionary definition of celery. n. pl. cel·er·ies 1. A biennial European plant in the parsley family, having edible roots, leafstalks, leaves, and fruits. 2. The crisp thick leafstalks of...
Is celery and lettuce are same?
Iceberg lettuce contains nutrients similar to celery, but in smaller amounts overall. A higher water content, iceberg lettuce is less nutritionally dense than celery. Celery does contain more dietary fiber, calcium and potassium than iceberg lettuce by weight. Bok choy is also high in potassium and contains some of the same nutrients.
What is the origin of celery?
The parent to our modern celery is believed to have originated in the Mediterranean region of Europe and was used by early civilizations for the medicinal properties they thought it contained. Medieval books on herbal remedies suggested using celery for controlling hysteria, soothing nerves, and promoting restful sleep.
See more

Where does celery originally come from?
Mediterranean areaWild celery is native to the Mediterranean area, according to Davis, though archaeological remains from Switzerland have suggested that humans were transporting celery seeds as early as 4,000 B.C. Another variety of celery called "smallage" was present in China as early as the 5th century.
What is celery called in America?
In North America, commercial production of celery is dominated by the cultivar called 'Pascal' celery. Gardeners can grow a range of cultivars, many of which differ from the wild species, mainly in having stouter leaf stems.
What is celery technically?
Celery is a herbaceous plant, in the botanical family Apiaceae, which also includes parsley, carrots, dill, and fennel. The plants that are cultivated for their roots, known as celeriac, are a distinct variety from those that are cultivated for their stalks. They're the same genus and species, though.
Who domesticated celery?
Originally from the Mediterranean basin about 3,000 years ago, the Italians domesticated celery as a vegetable in the 17th century. After years of domestication, growers were able to reduce the bitterness and hollow stalks associated with celery at that time. It made its way over to the New World with the colonists.
Can dogs eat celery?
Celery is listed among the vegetables that are safe for dogs by multiple sources, including the veterinary website Vetstreet.com, and is often recommended as a weight-loss treat. Celery is very low in fat and cholesterol and is an excellent source of fiber, vitamins A, C, and K, folate, potassium, and manganese.
What is a bunch of celery called?
According to the USDA, a “stalk” means the whole bunch or head and a single piece or stick is called a “rib.” This does not reflect common usage, however, so use caution in interpreting recipes! “Celery stalk,” in American English, is commonly used to mean one piece/rib/stick of celery.
Is celery a fruit or veg?
Celery is a vegetable and not a fruit. It's a part of the Apiaceae family, which farmers have always cultivated as vegetables. Celery seed also has many uses and is an ingredient for both culinary use and medicinal purposes.
Does celery grow from celery root?
Most plants grow from seeds, but some grow tubers, stem cuttings, or bulbs. In the case of celery, the plant will actually regenerate from the base and regrow new stalks. This process is called vegetative propagation and it doesn't only apply to rooting celery from the base.
What is a head of celery called?
By most definitions, a whole head of celery is a stalk and a single “stick” from the stalk is a rib. Some dictionaries use the accurate but clunky term “leafstalk” for a single rib.
What does celery do for the female body?
Keeps your kidney and urinary bladder healthy: Celery is antiseptic in nature and can eliminate bladder disorders, kidney problems, and urinary tract infections in women. Helps in keeping cancer at bay: Celery contains phthalides, flavonoids, and polyacetylenes, which are considered cancer-fighting components.
Is celery good for the gut?
Celery supports digestion. And then there's the high water content of celery — almost 95 percent — plus generous amounts of soluble and insoluble fiber. All of those support a healthy digestive tract and keep you regular.
Why would celery taste salty?
To sum up, celery has a salty taste because of the sodium it contains. One stalk offers about 35.2 milligrams. What's more, store-bought celery is often stripped of the outer stalks that make the bunches on offer seem less salty than organically grown celery.
Is celery and coriander same?
Although coriander and celery come from the same botanical family, they are not the same. Celery leaves and coriander leaves show a close resemblance, but still, they are different in flavor, aroma, and texture.
When did celery come to America?
By the middle part of the 18th century celery stored in cellars was enjoyed by the more affluent people of northern Europe during the winter. Its use as a food spread rapidly after that time. It most likely was introduced to America by the colonists and, by 1806, four cultivated varieties were listed.
What type of vegetable is celery?
Celery is a vegetable belonging to the Apiaceae family, which includes carrots, parsnips, parsley, and celeriac. Its leaves are considered an herb, while its stalks are used in a variety of culinary applications.
Why is British celery pink?
Pink celery is native to northern China and is believed by experts to have stemmed from a wild celery species during ancient times. The pink stalks eventually made their way to Europe via trade routes and were briefly popular in the 19th century before fading from commercial use.
Where did celery originate?
Based on my conversations, it seems as though culinary celery cultivation probably began in the 1600s in Italy or France. Horticulturalist Joe Masabni, of Texas A&M University's extension school, speculates that Mediterranean flavors assisted celery's big break.
When was celery first grown?
There's some debate about which individual first grew celery in the United States, but we know cultivation began in Michigan in the late 1800s. The crop grew well in the state's mild summers, and Dutch immigrants in the area seized the opportunity to farm the vegetable for a celery-curious American market.
How many calories are in celery?
Celery, the mild-mannered straight man of the vegetable world, packs a puny six calories per stalk and — in my opinion — about as much flavor as a desk lamp. Yet despite its limitations, the fibrous plant has featured in Mediterranean and East Asian civilizations for thousands of years.
Where is wild celery from?
Wild celery is native to the Mediterranean area, according to Davis, though archaeological remains from Switzerland have suggested that humans were transporting celery seeds as early as 4,000 B.C. Another variety of celery called "smallage" was present in China as early as the 5th century. Strong aroma may have boosted the appeal of the varieties in the Mediterranean and Asia.
Is celery a hero of soup?
"I'm a big fan of foods that crunch, so celery is right up there. And you can dip it in stuff.". She also calls celery the unsung hero of soups, infusing subtle — but critical — flavor.
Why is celery stringy?
Any water stress during the year causes the stalks to become stringy and gives them a strong flavor. Celery is crisper and tenderer if watered regularly especially prior to harvesting. One of the most efficient ways to water celery is to use drip irrigation.
What type of soil does celery grow in?
Celery prefers fertile, well drained, organic sandy soils with lots of organic matter for best growth. Most Utah soils will grow celery with proper site preparation.
Does celery compete with weeds?
Due to celery’s slow growth and small root system, it does not compete well with weeds. Frequent, shallow cultivation will control weeds and keep the soil surface loose. The roots of the celery are very close to the surface, so do not cultivate too deeply. Organic mulches will keep weed growth in check and help retain soil moisture.
Does celery seed germinate better in water?
Celery germinates better if you soak the seeds in water and change the water every day. The seed contains natural germination inhibitors that soaking helps leach away.

Recommended Varieties
How to Grow
- Soils
Celery prefers fertile, well drained, organic sandy soils with lots of organic matter for best growth. Most Utah soils will grow celery with proper site preparation. - Soil Preparation
Celery has a small root system and is a poor nutrient forager, so there needs to be a good supply of nutrients in the soil. Before planting, determine fertilizer needs with a soil test and then follow the recommendations given with the test report. If fertilizer applications are warranted, work the …
Problems
- Weeds
Due to celery’s slow growth and small root system, it does not compete well with weeds. Frequent, shallow cultivation will control weeds and keep the soil surface loose. The roots of the celery are very close to the surface, so do not cultivate too deeply. Organic mulches will keep we…
Harvest and Storage
- Harvest celery stalks by removal of the outer petioles when they are a foot or more in length. Whole plants are ready to use when they are 3 inches or more in diameter. The inner stalks are the most tender and taste the best uncooked. Celery harvested in hot, dry weather may be tough, stringy, and bitter. Store harvested celery in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
Nutrition
- Celery has no calories and is a source of important vitamins and minerals. Celery has been reported to reduce blood pressure, support the immune system, lower cholesterol, and help prevent cancer.
Frequently Asked Questions
- My celery has a black spot in the center of the plant, what is it?
This is called blackheart. Refer to the disease section above for treatment. - What temperatures are best for celery?
The minimum temperature for celery is 36ºF, but if exposed to cool temperatures for several weeks the plants will flower. The ideal temperature is 55-65ºF. When temperatures go above 85ºF, water the plants more frequently to minimize stress and fiber development.