“What’s gonna work? Teamwork!” Seems familiar? Well, this brings some nostalgia for sure. Our childhood would never be complete without that Nickelodeon show called, “The Wonder Pets” and the catchy tunes that came with it. And of course, those little animals always saved the day by working together and after every mission, have you remembered their favourite food? Yep, you guessed it- celery!
Now that we’re all grown up, let’s take a closer look at this humble little vegetable. Let us dig a little deeper and find out everything there is to know about celery and the wonders it can do not just for our health, but for the environment as well.
What is celery?
Beginning with the basics, celery is a type of vegetable that belongs to the Apiaceae family. This family also includes carrots, fennel, parsley, and dill. Celery is a crunchy and slightly fibrous vegetable with a water content of around 95%. It has a long white root and green or pale green stalks. The leaves of the celery plant are also edible and have a slightly bitter taste. In addition, celery also contains a number of small seeds which are often used as a spice.
The wonderful aspect of celery is that the entire plant is edible, from the root to the leaves. Celery can be enjoyed raw, cooked, or juiced. It is often used as a base ingredient in soups and stews or as a garnish on salads and other dishes. Some countries even use celery as a part of their traditional medicine.
What are the benefits of celery?
Celery is often hailed as a superfood due to its numerous health benefits. Some of these benefits include:
Aiding in weight loss: Celery is a low-calorie food which means that it can help you to lose weight. It is also a good source of fibre, which helps to keep you feeling full and satisfied after eating.
Improving digestion: The fibre in celery can also help to improve digestion and prevent constipation making it a great food for those with digestive issues.
Reducing inflammation: Celery contains a compound called apigenin, which has anti-inflammatory properties. This means that it can help to reduce swelling and pain associated with conditions like arthritis.
Lowering cholesterol: This wonderful vegetable can also help to lower cholesterol levels, thanks to its phytochemical content.
Protecting against cancer: Some studies have shown that celery may help to protect against certain types of cancer, such as breast cancer and colon cancer. This is most likely due to the presence of compounds like luteolin and apigenin.
The listed benefits are just some of the reasons why you should start incorporating celery into your diet. It is a versatile and healthy vegetable that can be enjoyed in many different ways.
How long does celery last at room temperature?
If you’re wondering how long celery will last once it’s been cut, the answer is not very long. Celery is a high water content vegetable and will start to wilt and go limp within a few hours of being cut. This is why it’s best to use celery as soon as possible after cutting it. Generally, at room temperature, celery will last for around 1 or 2 days.
How long does celery last in the fridge?
Most fridges have a section that is slightly warmer than the rest of the fridge, this is where you should store your celery. Celery can last for up to 2 weeks when stored in the fridge. To extend its shelf life, you can wrap the celery in a damp paper towel or place it in a plastic bag before storing it in the fridge.
How long does celery last in the freezer?
Celery can also be frozen in order to extend its shelf life. When stored in the freezer, celery will last for around 3 or 4 months. To freeze celery, wash it and cut it into pieces before storing it in a freezer-safe bag or container. However, like all vegetables, celery will lose some of its crunchiness and flavour when frozen.
Where’s the best place to store celery?
Refrigerators have this drawer for storing vegetables, and that is where you should store your celery. The ideal temperature for storing celery is between 32-40°F (0-4°C). That section is built for vegetables and helps to keep them at the optimal temperature for freshness.
What are the risks of storing celery badly?
If celery is not stored properly, it can start to rot and become mouldy. This can happen if celery is stored at too warm of a temperature or if it is not kept dry. If you notice that your celery is starting to rot, mould or spoil, throw it away immediately. Also, the risks of storing celery badly can lead to the vegetable becoming limp and losing its crunchiness. Consuming mouldy or rotten celery can also cause gastrointestinal issues which might lead to vomiting or diarrhoea.
What’s the most eco-friendly way to store celery?
The most eco-friendly way to store celery is in a reusable container in the fridge. This will help to extend its shelf life and reduce food waste. You can also freeze celery in a reusable container, which will make it last even longer. However, the fridge only uses about 4% of the energy that the freezer uses, so it is more eco-friendly to store celery in the fridge than in the freezer.
Is eating celery eco-friendly?
Yes, eating celery is eco-friendly! Celery is a low carbon food that doesn’t require much energy or water to grow. It is also a source of many vitamins and minerals, which makes it a healthy and nutritious food choice. Furthermore, celery is often grown using sustainable methods, such as organic farming. This means that celery is not only good for your health, but it is also good for the environment.
Celery is indeed a superfood that offers many health benefits. It’s no surprise why the Wonder Pets chose celery as their favourite food after every adventure! So, why not give celery a try? You’ll be sure to love it as much as they do. Who knows, you might even save the day! As always, remember to stay crunchy and eat your greens! Happy crunching!
