2 stalks. One medium celery stalk will provide 1/2 cup. So, if your recipe calls for one cup of celery, you will need to 2 stalks.
Substitutes
If your recipe calls for celery and you don’t have any in your kitchen, here are some substitutions to consider:
- Leeks have a milder flavor and work well in soups and stews.
- Bell peppers add a similar crunch and sweetness. They can be used in salads, soups and sandwiches.
- Zucchini provides a similar crunch. They are excellent in salads, soups, and baked dishes.
- Cucumber has a similar texture. They can be used in salads, sandwiches, and garnish.
- Carrots add a similar crunch and sweetness to dishes and are particularly good in soups and stews.
Health Benefits
Celery is a low-calorie vegetable, rich in vitamins and minerals.
Here are some of the health benefits of celery:
- Contains phthalides which have been shown to relax the muscles around the artery walls, thereby lowering blood pressure.
- Contains 3-n-butylphthalide (BuPh) which has been shown to lower cholesterol levels in the blood.
- Contains polyacetylenes which have been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties.
- High in fiber.
- Good source of Vitamin C and Vitamin K, essential for maintaining healthy skin and health.
How to keep celery fresh longer
Celery keeps well in the refrigerator and lasts up to 5 days. However, if you want to keep it around longer, you have a few tricks up your sleeve.
For the best results, keep celery heads whole, wrap them tightly in aluminum foil, and place them in the refrigerator crisper drawer. When stored this way, celery can maintain its freshness for up to two to four weeks.
Can you freeze celery?
You can freeze celery, and blanching it will help it retain its color and flavor.
To blanch, place the stalks in boiling water for about 30 seconds, then immediately plunge them into ice water.
If you are making a soup or stew, add the blanched celery at the end of cooking so that it doesn’t lose its flavor.
