When celery root is in season, its delicate potato-celery flavor is a perfect addition to soups, mashed with potatoes, or added to gratins.
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When is celery root (celeriac) in season?
Celery root is in season during cooler months, from September through April. See what else is in season at the same time: January, February, March, April, and in September, October, November, and December.
How to pick
Look for ones that are hard and heavy for their size (indicating they are fresher and not dried out). You can estimate that up to 25% of its weight will be discarded when peeling and trimming.
Small celeriac are often more flavorful, making them a better option for salads and recipes that rely on their crisp, clean flavor. For stews and soups, the larger ones will work out great, as the stronger flavor would be muted anyway.
If the center is soft or spongy after you cut into it, just cut that part out, the rest is fine to use.
How to store
The root should keep for one week, or more, in an open plastic bag in the crisper drawer. They like cold, dark places.
As you cut it, it will start to brown (like potatoes). You can submerge it in a bowl of water as you cut it.
How to peel celery root
Cut the bottom off to make a stable base. Then use a knife to cut off the outside skin. Everyday Food has a helpful video:
Now what should I make?
That's a good question! I scour the internet to find recipes that use fresh, seasonal ingredients, often with a fun twist. Follow Ask The Food Geek on Pinterest or Facebook to get access to the recipes I find every day.
Is celery root healthier than potatoes?
I look at all vegetables and healthy and eat them all. However, there are differences between the two worth knowing if you are focusing on a specific dietary constraint. Below is a chart comparing equal portions of the two (about 1 cup raw).
| Celery root | Potato | |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 70 | 110 |
| Carbohydrates | 14g | 26g |
| Fiber | 2g | 3g |
| Sodium | 160mg | 5mg |
| Protein | 2g | 3g |
Two things stand out to me: celery root has almost half of the carbs of potatoes, but a surprising amount of sodium. The American Heart Association suggests an ideal limit of sodium at 1,500mg.
Other common questions
It has a mild flavor that's a cross between a potato and celery.
Yes, it is delicious raw or cooked.
Seasonal recipes
Each recipe below only uses ingredients that are in season at the same time as celery root, or ingredients that have a year-round season. Since their season overlaps with the beginning or end of other fruits and vegetables, the recipes are grouped into early season, late season, or anytime they are available.
...For anytime it is in season
Kale Caesar salad with celery root, hazelnuts, and cornbread croutons - recipe by Ask the Food Geek
Celery root fries - recipe by Viktoria's Table
Grilled celeriac with white bean puree - recipe by Naturally Ella
...For spring
Celeriac, pea, and arugula soup with sumac roasted chickpeas - recipe from Cravings in Amsterdam
Sub in fresh peas for frozen in spring. You can use shelling peas (or get lucky and find some already shelled), or snap peas and shell them.
Celeriac (celery root) season comes to an end in April or May and starts again mid-fall. So this is perfect in spring when peas first come in, or early fall when peas are finishing up their season.
Let's hear from you
Do you have more questions that I didn't answer? Ask them in the comments below. If you have a favorite celery root recipe that isn't shared here, drop it in the comments.
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