The underestimated celery plant

History has taught us that plants were commonly used for medicinal reasons, either to cure or reduce symptoms from an illness. Still today, there's no denying that food can be our medicine.

Back in the 1600's, in ancient Egypt, Rome and China, celery was medicinally used to treat health issues, like arthritis and indigestion. Rich in water and a good source of Vitamin K, Celery provides antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, thanks to it's many phytochemicals (ex. phenolic acids, flavones and flavonols). Although commonly recognized as a "diet" food, with every crunch, you are also providing your body with a great dose of nutrients, like vitamin C, potassium, folate and vitamin B6.

I love celery as each stalk provides a nice crunch. And despite containing only around 35 mg of sodium, somehow the slight bitterness tricks the taste buds to make you believe that you are eating something salty. Whether you enjoy your celery as "ants on a log" or chopped/diced in salads or in stews, celery can be steamed, blanched, braised or sauteed. 

In addition to the stalk, the leaves and seeds can be also used in cooking.

And you can also eat the root of celery!

While the look may not be appetizing, celery root (also called celeriac) has the taste of celery and parsley, combined into one.

I remember when Karel and I were engaged in 2007 and he wanted to prepare me a traditional Czech Christmas dinner. Although he did have to make some vegetarian modifications for me, as the typical meal that he was use to included fish soup, potato salad and fried carp or schnitzel, I could not get over the delicious taste of the potato salad. Karel had to go to several different grocery stores in the Jacksonville, FL area (where we were living at the time) because he had no luck finding the star ingredient, next to the potatoes - celery root!  Finally, he was able to find a celery root for his recipe.

I was inspired to write this blog post after reading an article on Celery in the latest Nov/Dec 2017 issue of Food and Nutrition magazine (from the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics).

While I was excited to share some nutritional information about celery root, this article reminded me how important it is to see food for much more than calories, fat, protein or carbs. By shifting your view on food, you can eat with less/no guilt or anxiety and feel good about what you are putting into your body. Food shouldn't be tied to rules and it certainly should not be used a control mechanism.
For myself, food often connects me to Karel's upbringing and culture, since he did not grow up in the United States of America but instead, grew up in a communist country in Czech Republic (formally Czechoslovakia). 

Food plays an important role in our lives. With better eating comes better health and with that comes an enhanced quality of life. 

Carrot Ginger Soup & Celery (in your) smoothie

Julia Child was fearless and creative in the kitchen. If there was one person I wish I had the opportunity to meet, passed away or alive, it would be Julia Child. I could not think of a cooler experience than being in the kitchen with Julia Child and then yumming over a meal with her.


She had this special gift of helping people feel comfortable in the kitchen. And no matter your cooking skills, she made cooking easy and fun no matter the recipe or food.

I have been challenging myself in the kitchen by making homemade soups. I sure do love Amy's Organic soups but my New Year resolution was challenging myself more with recipes. And since I am not one for resolutions, I started this challenge a few weeks before the New Year.

I found this recipe on the Whole Foods Market website and actually followed the entire recipe. I'm not giving up my creativeness in the kitchen as I am not one to follow a recipe or all the ingredients included but I gave this one a go and it came out great!

Don't be afraid in your kitchen. As Julia Child would agree, don't just eat, enjoy your cooking experience!

CARROT GINGER SOUP

• 4 cups low-sodium vegetable broth, divided
• 1 yellow onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, finely chopped
• 2 teaspoons freshly grated ginger
• 1 pound carrots, coarsely chopped
• 1 medium Yukon Gold potato, peeled and cut into 1-inch chunks
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice

             Method: 

Heat 1/2 cup broth to a simmer in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Add onion and garlic and cook until tender, about 6 minutes, stirring occasionally. Stir in ginger, carrots, potato and remaining broth and heat to a boil. Reduce to a simmer, cover and cook 25 minutes or until vegetables are tender. In batches, carefully puree in a blender. Add water or broth if needed to thin to desired consistency. Reheat soup if necessary. Stir in lemon juice and garnish with chives.

               Nutritional Info: 

Per Serving:130 calories (5 from fat), 0g total fat, 0g saturated fat, 0mg cholesterol, 220mg sodium,28g carbohydrate (5g dietary fiber, 9g sugar), 3g protein

And speaking of being creative.... smoothie-making has no limits! 

It may not be your first choice for a smoothie ingredient but let me tell you how much nutrition you add to your smoothie by adding a stalk or two (chopped) to your smoothie.

You may think it's a "diet" food and has no flavor but celery is perfect for a body in motion.

It adds fiber, potassium, natural sugars and sodium, vitamin A and Calcium and it also acts as a natural anti-inflammatory!

It does not have a strong taste in your smoothie but certainly if you aren't use to this ingredient in your smoothie, you may taste it at first. But, once you learn to appreciate it's powerhouse of nutrients, you will never leave it out of your next smoothie creation.