What Does Celery Taste Like? Sweet? Bitter? (Detailed Guide)

Have you ever wondered what celery tastes like? Contrary to what some might believe, celery does have a flavor. It is not a very strong flavor, but it is there. So, what does celery taste like?

When anyone hears celery, they think about a salty, crunchy green vegetable in various dishes.

The taste of celery is highly dependent on the type of ground it was grown in.

Celery is a vegetable that is loved by some and despised by others. This is because of the celery’s distinct taste and smell, which several people can’t stand.

If anyone thinks celery is just another boring old green vegetable that belongs in a salad, they are in for a surprise. For what this vegetable lacks in taste, it makes up for in nutrition.

Whether as the star ingredient or additive to any meal, it finds itself, celery can never be overlooked.

Before diving into the wonderful things this vegetable can do, here are certain things everyone should know about celery.

What Is Celery?

The celery plant is a vegetable from the family Apiaceae. Other vegetables in this family are carrots, parsley, and parsnips.

Celery comes in three major varieties– leaf celery, stalk or pascal celery, and celeria. The common variety in the U.S is the stalk or pascal celery.

This vegetable originates from the Mediterranean basin and the Middle East. Before the 16th century, celery was initially used by the Greeks, Romans, Egyptians, and Chinese as an aromatic and medicinal plant.

Why You Should Try Celery

• Healthy: Celery is a low-calorie snack that is packed with nutrients. It is used to reduce cholesterol levels, hasten weight loss and prevent oxidative damage, amongst many other great things.
• Great For Skin: Celery contains vitamins A, B, C, and K, niacin, and folate. These ingredients help repair the skin and produce collagen, which keeps the skin nourished and healthy. 
• Versatile: Celery is part of many cuisines, and it is a staple ingredient in so many foods. Soup? Cut some celery and throw it n there for extra pizzazz. What about Salad? Chop some celery, add to it and take that salad from a 10 to a 100.

What Does Celery Taste Like?

The taste of celery leaves tends to have a stronger flavor than the stalks. And the flavor of these leaves can range from bitter and earthy, green and leafy, to bland and just a tad spicy.

While the celery stalks can be salty, spicy, or mildly sweet depending on where it was grown.

The leaves of celery are a more bitter flavor compared to the stalk. So to give your meal a juicier taste, add more stalks than leaves.

An interesting fact about celery is that the lighter the color of the stalks, the milder and juicer the taste (source). So during that next grocery trip, pick the celery with the lightest stalk unless you prefer otherwise.

What Does Celery Juice Taste Like?

Celery juice tastes like celery but in liquid form– leafy, bland, salty with an earthy or sweet flavor. To make the celery flavor taste better, some people may decide to add sweeteners or other fruits like apples.

Is Celery Sweet or Bitter?

Fresh celery is mostly sweet, but this is due to how it is grown. Bitter celery is a result of inadequate watering or insufficient blanching. Ideally, celery should taste salty and just a tad bit spicy.

How Healthy Is Celery?

Celery is super healthy. It isn’t called a superfood or super vegetable for no reason. Celery has a long list of health benefits. There’s barely anything this vegetable can’t do.

It is very rich in fiber, making it a great option for those trying to lose weight. Celery is crammed with antioxidants that could help decrease cancer risk by fighting free radicals and reducing oxidative stress.

Celery possesses anti-inflammatory properties due to its luteolin content. Luteolin acts as an anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective agent, preventing brain inflammation.

Celery is rich in phthalides, a phytochemical that calms artery wall tissues and promotes healthy blood flow. A study showed that celery seed extract-based medicine led to a decline in participants’ blood pressure.

Celery also has some skin and hair benefits up its sleeves or stalk. Celery is 95% water, so it’s extremely efficient at giving the skin the moisture it needs.

Its vitamin C component can provide nourishment to the hair roots, at the same time encouraging growth.

Where to Find Celery

• Online Stores: Celery can be purchased on several online stores and marketplaces like Amazon, Walmart, Woolworths, and Etsy.
• Farms: No better place to get fresh out-of-the-ground vegetables than from the primary source. Some farms like Everwilde farms have websites, so anyone can purchase celery on their site, have it delivered or pick it up. Or they could go directly to any nearby farm and buy it.
• Grocery Stores: Celery is also sold in most grocery stores. All you have to do is locate the veggies section and pick up some celery.

Does Celery Go Bad?

Yes, celery goes bad, just like every other vegetable out there. If your celery is soft, bendable, and slimy, it no longer belongs on your kitchen counter but in the trash or compost bin.

Since celery doesn’t have its expiration date stamped on it, its expiration is subject to the date of purchase and type of celery.

Fresh whole celery lasts for 3 – 4 weeks. Celery packages last for 2 -3 days, and cooked celery, one week in the fridge.

5 Best Substitutes For Celery

Fennel

Its taste is quite similar to celery, except it is more enhanced and features hints of licorice. Raw or cooked, fennel also has a similar texture to celery but a milder flavor.

Bok Choy or Chinese Cabbage

This vegetable is not an exact match for celery’s taste, but it also has a crunchy texture.

Jicama

It features the celery’s crunch without the stringiness, making it a great substitute.

Apple

Some may think this an unusual substitute, but apple also has a crisp texture. Not just that, it is also really tasty, juicy, and fun in different recipes.

Carrots

What better alternative for a vegetable than another from the same family? It has the crunch, the taste, and better yet, the best color.

What Is The Best Way To Store Celery?

Wrap your celery with aluminum foil and store it in the fridge. Celery can also be placed in a plastic bag before being kept in the crisper fridge.

For celery to last up to six to eight months, blanche it first, then place it in the freezer.

What To Eat Celery With

• Tacos – Celery adds crunch and flavor to tacos. If there’s anyone who hasn’t tried it before, give it a go and thank us later.
• Soups and Stews – Not only does celery pump up the taste of soups and stews, but it also pumps up the nutrition. Add chopped celery to the dish to give those taste buds a treat like no other.  
• Egg/Tuna/Chicken Salad – Slice celery into two halves and stuff it with either egg, tuna, or chicken salad. There’s absolutely no resisting this combination.

FAQ About Celery

How do you make celery taste good?

One of the best things about celery is how it can be paired well with many foods. To make celery taste good or better, fill it with peanut butter and sprinkle some raisins or berries on top.

Celery can also be mixed with tuna, chicken, or crab salad. If these suggestions do not work for you, try mixing celery with foods you like. You might surprise yourself.

How To Make Celery Salt

Conclusion

So, what does celery taste like?

Celery has a crisp and crunchy texture with a mildly sweet taste. Some people also detect a hint of bitterness.

Although some people don’t like the taste of celery, the flavor can easily be masked before other foods like peanut butter. Enjoy celery as celery sticks, in soups and stews, and as celery juice.

Overall, celery is a refreshing and mild-tasting vegetable. Whether you eat it raw or cooked, celery is a versatile ingredient that can add a subtle yet distinct flavor to any dish.

Everyone might not love celery, but it is one of the most nutritious vegetables. So for those who don’t like it, it might be time to give the little guy a chance.

For more frequently asked questions, visit our index of food-related questions and answers. Here are a few popular questions for you:

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