Celeriac 101: Nutrition, Benefits, How To Use, Buy, Store | Celeriac: A Complete Guide

What is Celeriac

Celeriac, also known as celery root, is a type of root vegetable that’s closely related to regular celery. But unlike the celery we eat for its crunchy stalks, celeriac is grown for its knobby, round root, which is usually tan or brown on the outside. It’s not the prettiest vegetable out there, but once you peel it, the inside is creamy white. The flavor of celeriac is kinda earthy with a hint of celery and parsley, and it’s often used in soups, stews, or even mashed like potatoes. It’s also great raw in salads for a bit of crunch. It may look a little weird, but it’s really nutritious and full of fiber, vitamin C, and some other good stuff your body needs.

Other Names of Celeriac

Here are some other names for celeriac:

1. Celery root – This is probably the most common name, since it’s the root part of the celery plant.
2. Knob celery – Yeah, it’s a bit funny, but this name comes from the vegetable’s knobby appearance.
3. Turnip-rooted celery – People sometimes call it this ’cause of its round shape, which can remind you of a turnip.
4. Root celery – Another name that simply points out that it’s all about the root, not the stalks.
5. Soup celery – This one’s because celeriac is often used in soups to add flavor.

Even though it’s got all these names, they all basically point to the same vegetable.

Nutritional Value of Celeriac

Here is a general overview of the nutritional value of celeriac per 100 grams:

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	42 kcal
Water	95.4 g
Protein	1.5 g
Carbohydrates	9.2 g
Dietary Fiber	2.8 g
Sugars	1.7 g
Fat	0.2 g
Vitamin C	8.2 mg (14% DV)
Vitamin K	41.0 µg (51% DV)
Vitamin B6	0.2 mg (10% DV)
Phosphorus	42 mg (4% DV)
Potassium	300 mg (9% DV)
Magnesium	13 mg (3% DV)
Iron	0.7 mg (4% DV)
Calcium	43 mg (4% DV)
Manganese	0.2 mg (8% DV)

Keep in mind that these values are approximate and can vary based on factors such as growing conditions and specific varieties of celeriac. The percentages of daily values (% DV) are based on a daily intake of 2,000 calories, and individual nutritional needs may vary. Celeriac is low in calories and a good source of dietary fiber, vitamins, and minerals.

Benefits of Celeriac

Here are some benefits of celeriac:

1. High in fiber – Celeriac is packed with fiber, which helps keep your digestion smooth and can prevent things like constipation.
2. Rich in vitamins – It’s a good source of vitamin C, which helps your immune system stay strong and keeps your skin healthy.
3. Low in calories – If you’re looking for a veggie that’s filling but won’t add a ton of calories, celeriac is a great choice.
4. Good for your heart – It has potassium, which helps regulate blood pressure and keeps your heart in good shape.
5. Helps with weight management – Because it’s so low in calories but high in fiber, it keeps you feeling full longer, which can help with weight control.
6. Packed with antioxidants – Antioxidants in celeriac help protect your cells from damage caused by free radicals, which are bad little things that can lead to illness.
7. Supports bone health – It’s got vitamin K, which plays a role in keeping your bones strong.

Celeriac may not be the most exciting looking veggie, but it’s full of benefits that can really help your body out.

Varieties of Celeriac

Here are some varieties of celeriac:

1. Brilliant – This variety is known for its smooth, round shape and white flesh. It grows pretty big and stores well, so you can keep it longer after harvesting.
2. Alabaster – It has a creamy white root and is often prized for its tender texture, especially when cooked. Plus, it has a nice, mild flavor.
3. Prinz – Prinz celeriac is a bit smaller, but it matures faster. It’s often grown for its firm, flavorful root, which has a more delicate taste compared to others.
4. Giant Prague – As the name suggests, this variety gets really big. It’s one of the older types of celeriac, with a slightly stronger flavor.
5. Diamant – Known for being more resistant to disease, Diamant celeriac has smooth skin and stores well. It’s also got that classic earthy, mild taste people expect from celeriac.

Each variety has its own little differences, but overall, they all give you that earthy, celery-like flavor.

What Does Celeriac Taste Like

Celeriac has a pretty unique taste, kinda earthy and nutty, with a mild hint of celery. If you like celery but find it too strong sometimes, you’d probably enjoy celeriac ’cause its flavor is more subtle. There’s also a slight sweetness to it, and some people say it even has a touch of parsley-like taste. When it’s cooked, it gets softer and creamier, and the flavor mellows out even more, making it great in soups or mashed like potatoes. Raw, it’s got a bit of a crunch, and the flavor is sharper. It’s like celery, but with its own personality.

How To Use Celeriac

Here’s how you can use celeriac:

1. Mashed – You can cook and mash celeriac just like potatoes. It makes a creamy, slightly sweet mash that’s perfect with butter and a little salt.
2. In soups – Celeriac adds a rich, earthy flavor to soups and stews. You can chop it up and throw it in, or even blend it to make a smooth, creamy soup.
3. Roasted – Slice it up, toss it in some olive oil, and roast it in the oven. Roasting brings out its natural sweetness and gives it a nice crispy edge.
4. In salads – When raw, celeriac has a great crunch! Just peel it, grate it, or slice it thinly and add it to salads for a fresh, slightly nutty flavor.
5. As a low-carb alternative – You can use celeriac in place of potatoes in lots of recipes, like fries or even in casseroles, if you’re looking for something lower in carbs.
6. Pureed – It blends into a smooth, velvety puree, which makes a fancy side dish when you want to change things up a bit.
7. In slaws – Celeriac is great grated up and mixed with some mayo, vinegar, and seasonings to make a crunchy slaw.

There’s a lot you can do with celeriac—whether it’s cooked or raw, it fits into all sorts of dishes.

Substitute for Celeriac

Here are some good substitutes for celeriac:

1. Parsnips – Parsnips have a sweet, earthy flavor that’s kinda similar to celeriac. They’re great in soups, mashes, or roasted, though they’re a bit sweeter.
2. Turnips – Turnips have a slightly bitter, peppery taste but can work as a substitute in stews or soups. They have that root veggie vibe, just with a sharper flavor.
3. Rutabaga – Also called swede, rutabaga has a mild, sweet taste and can be mashed or roasted like celeriac. It’s not as earthy but still a solid swap.
4. Potatoes – If you want a similar texture but don’t mind missing the celery flavor, potatoes can do the job, especially in mashes or soups.
5. Kohlrabi – This one’s a little different but can replace celeriac in slaws or salads. It’s crunchy, slightly sweet, and mild, making it good in raw dishes.
6. Carrots – While much sweeter, carrots can add a similar texture and can be used in roasted dishes or stews when you need a veggie stand-in for celeriac.
7. Celery stalks – If you need the celery flavor but don’t have the root, the stalks can add a similar taste in soups or stocks, though the texture will be quite different.

Each of these substitutes works depending on the dish and what flavors you want to highlight.

Where to Buy Celeriac

Here’s where you can buy celeriac:

1. Grocery stores – Many larger supermarkets, especially ones with a good produce section, will have celeriac, usually in the root vegetable area. Stores like Whole Foods or specialty stores might be more likely to carry it.
2. Farmer’s markets – Local farmer’s markets are great spots to find fresh, locally grown celeriac, especially in the fall and winter when it’s in season.
3. Health food stores – Places like Trader Joe’s, Sprouts, or other organic-focused stores often stock celeriac, especially if you’re looking for organic options.
4. Online – You can buy celeriac online from grocery delivery services like Instacart or Amazon Fresh, which makes it convenient if you can’t find it nearby.
5. Specialty produce markets – Some cities have stores that focus just on fresh vegetables and fruits, and they might carry more unique items like celeriac.
6. Grow your own – If you’re into gardening, you can also grow celeriac yourself. It takes a while to grow, but it’s rewarding to harvest your own!

Depending on where you live, celeriac might not be super common, but checking these spots usually helps you track it down.

How To Store Celeriac

Here’s a detailed guide on how to store celeriac to keep it fresh and tasty for as long as possible:

1. In the fridge (crisper drawer) – The fridge is the best place for celeriac. Make sure to keep it in the crisper drawer because this part of the fridge helps maintain a good balance of humidity and airflow, which is ideal for root veggies. Wrap the unpeeled celeriac in a plastic bag or a reusable produce bag to prevent it from drying out. It can last about 2-3 weeks this way, sometimes even a month if it’s really fresh.
2. In a cool, dark place – If you don’t have enough space in your fridge, you can store celeriac in a cool, dark spot, like a root cellar, a basement, or a pantry. The temperature should ideally stay around 50°F (10°C) or a bit cooler. Avoid places with too much humidity, because too much moisture can cause mold to grow. Make sure there’s enough airflow to prevent rotting. In these conditions, celeriac can last about a month or more, depending on how fresh it was when you got it.
3. Don’t wash until you’re ready to use – Celeriac has a rough, bumpy skin that can hold a lot of dirt, but don’t be tempted to wash it before storing. Washing adds moisture, which can make the celeriac spoil faster. Only wash it when you’re about to prepare it. If there’s loose dirt on it, just brush it off before storing.
4. Cut and freeze – If you’ve already peeled and cut up your celeriac and you realize you won’t be able to use it all soon, freezing is a great option. First, blanch the celeriac to help maintain its texture and flavor. To do this, boil the pieces for 3-5 minutes, then quickly transfer them to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process. Drain and dry them, then pack the pieces in freezer bags or airtight containers. Make sure to remove as much air as possible from the bags before sealing them. Frozen celeriac can last up to 6 months, and it’s perfect for soups, stews, or mashes.
5. In a root vegetable box – If you’re someone who stores a lot of root vegetables like potatoes, carrots, or turnips, a root vegetable storage box can be a great investment. These boxes are designed to keep the right amount of air circulating while keeping the veggies dry, which helps extend their shelf life. Place your unpeeled celeriac in the box and store it in a cool, dark place. If stored well, it can last several weeks, even up to two months, depending on the storage conditions.
6. Check regularly for soft spots – While storing celeriac, especially over a long period, it’s important to check it from time to time. Feel for any soft spots or signs of mold. If you notice parts of the celeriac starting to go bad, you can cut off the affected areas and use the rest, as long as it hasn’t gone too far.

Proper storage can make a big difference in how long celeriac lasts, and with these tips, you can enjoy it fresh for weeks.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)