The celery plant is indigenous to the Mediterranean region and had religious significance to some of the cultures there. Celery was also used by the ancient Egyptians as evidence by celery garlands found in the Pharaoh Tutankhamen’s tomb. Celery was later used by both the Greeks and Romans; however, the Greeks used it as a medicine. It was the Romans who first recognized its immense value as a culinary herb. As a result of the Roman influence, celery would become a favorite of the French. Much later on, it would wind up on British tables as well.
Early forms of celery were particularly bitter, which is why it would not become widely consumed in Britain until the late 17th century. It was at this point that selection finally produced a form of celery with less bitterness and more sugars.
From Britain, celery would come to the Americas. It would be cultivated by colonists and would continue to be selected for texture and flavor until the first celery that could be eaten raw showed up in the 1800s.
The name celery comes from the French, which comes from the Italian. The root is in the Greek world selenon.
Celery flakes are simply dehydrated celery. Dehydration is a great way to lengthen shelf-life of vegetables while retaining much of their nutritional value. Dehydration has been used for preservation for much of history.
Celery flakes flavor profile
Celery flakes have the same pungent, savory flavor that you get from raw celery. Using them is a great way to add umami complexity to what would otherwise be a bland and simple dish.
Health benefits of celery flakes
Celery has long been used for its medicinal value by practitioners of traditional Chinese medicine. Its health benefits come from the nutrients it contains; those nutrients include:
- Minerals: Celery flakes are a good source of minerals since the mineral content of fresh celery is not affected by the drying process. You can get significant amounts of potassium, calcium, and magnesium from a serving of celery flakes.
- Vitamins: Celery flakes contain high levels of some of the most important vitamins including vitamins A, B, and C.
- Fiber: Celery flakes are full of fiber, so much so that you can get more than a full day’s worth from a 100 g serving.
Among the functions of celery flakes is the fact that they can help to prevent or treat a set of health problems that may include:
- Urinary tract infections (UTIs): Both fresh and dried celery stimulate the production of urine and help to reduce levels of uric acid, which means that they can help to stem UTIs.
- Obesity: The fiber in celery and in celery flakes can help to make you feel fuller without consuming as much food, which may lead to you taking in fewer calories. Reduced calorie intake typically leads to weight loss.
- Dehydration: The mineral salts in celery are present in celery flakes as well. As a result, consuming celery flakes with water can help to hydrate your body faster than water alone.
- Constipation: Celery flakes are rich in fiber and fiber-rich foods can help food to move through the gut faster, thus preventing constipation.
Common uses of celery flakes
Celery flakes can be used in a similar manner to celery seed. You can grind them for use in salad dressings, potato salad, or as an ingredient in dry rubs. They are commonly used in place of fresh celery. They provide the same flavor but do not have to be washed or cut and have a much longer shelf life.
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