Question 1

Does celery really have negative calories?

Accepted Answer

No, celery does not contain 'negative' calories. It is a low-calorie food, with only about 16 calories per 100 grams. The idea of negative calories is a myth; it suggests that some foods require more energy to digest than they provide, but this has been debunked by science.

Question 2

How do I remove the strings from celery?

Accepted Answer

You can easily remove the stringy layer on celery stalks using a vegetable peaker. Just hold the end of the stalk and run the peeler down its length to strip off the strings.

Question 3

Why does celery taste bitter?

Accepted Answer

Celery has a naturally mildly bitter taste, which comes from a class of compounds known as phthalides. These compounds are present throughout the plant, but most concentrated in the leaves.

Question 4

Can I eat raw celery?

Accepted Answer

Yes, celery can be eaten raw and is often used this way in salads and as a crunchy snack. Just be sure to wash it thoroughly before consuming to remove any potential pesticides.

Question 5

Is it better to cook celery or eat it raw?

Accepted Answer

This largely depends on personal preference and the dish you're preparing. Raw celery has a crisp texture and retains all of its nutrients, while cooked celery becomes softer and its flavor becomes more mild.

Question 6

Can I substitute celery for another vegetable in a recipe?

Accepted Answer

Yes, there are a few vegetables you could use as substitutes for celery. These include fennel, cucumber, or bell peppers. Keep in mind that the taste and texture may vary.

Question 7

How can I soften celery?

Accepted Answer

Celery generally softens when cooked, especially in soups, stews, or stir-fries. You can also blanch it in boiling water for a few minutes to soften its texture.

Question 8

Can I use celery leaves in my cooking?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! Celery leaves are not only edible, but also full of flavor and nutrients. They can be used in salads, as a garnish, or blended into smoothies.

Question 9

Why is celery used as a base in many recipes?

Accepted Answer

Celery is used as a base in many recipes because it provides a balance of flavors. Its mildly bitter profile complements and neutralizes the taste of other strong ingredients, enhancing the overall flavor of the dish.

Question 10

Can celery be used as a salt substitute?

Accepted Answer

Yes, celery can be used as a salt substitute because it naturally contains sodium. However, the sodium content in celery is much lower than table salt, so it won't give the same salty flavor. Additionally, using celery as a salt substitute also means adding volume, so it's best suited for recipes where the extra moisture and volume won't adversely affect the outcome.

Question 11

When does celery expire?

Accepted Answer

Fresh celery usually lasts 1-2 weeks in the fridge if stored properly. Once you've cut or washed it, it will last 3-5 days. Remember that the 'sell by' date is not an expiration date - the celery can still be good 1-2 weeks past this date. It can also be stored in the freezer to extend its life. Once frozen, celery will stay at best quality for 12 months, but it will remain safe to eat beyond this time. However, the texture will change and it is best used as an ingredient in cooking, such as soups or stews, after freezing.

Question 12

How do you tell if celery is bad?

Accepted Answer

To tell if celery has gone bad, feel the stalks and look at the color. Fresh celery stalks are firm and crisp, while bad celery may be slimy, limp, or have a mushy texture. Bad celery is usually more yellow than green. Also, a good sniff will help you - if the celery smells off or bad, it's a sure sign that you should toss it.

Question 13

Tips for storing celery to extend shelf life

Accepted Answer

• Don't wash the celery until you're ready to use it, as excess moisture can hasten spoiling.

• Store celery in a plastic bag in your refrigerator’s crisper drawer to prevent it from drying out. You can also wrap it in aluminum foil to keep it fresh.

• Cut off the leafy part of the celery; it speeds up the wilting process.

• For longer-term storage, you can freeze celery. First, wash and chop it into your desired size. Then, blanch it in boiling water for 1 minute, followed by an immediate cool-down in iced water. Dry it and pack into freezer-friendly bags or containers. Remember, frozen celery is best used for cooking.

Question 14

Analysis of celery

Accepted Answer

Cooking with celery is generally straightforward, but many people seem to struggle with its unique texture and flavor. A common issue is the stringy exterior of the celery stalks, which some find unpleasant. However, this stringy layer can easily be removed with a vegetable peeler. As for the taste, celery has a mildly bitter profile, which can overpower delicate dishes if used excessively. Therefore, it's crucial to balance it with other ingredients according to the recipe. To get the most out of this vegetable, don't discard the leaves as they are flavorful and nutritious. They can be used in salads, as garnish, or even blended into a green smoothie. Another lesser known fact is that celery can be used as a salt substitute due to it naturally having a high sodium content for a vegetable.

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