What you should really know about this “handsome” and delicious root vegetable

Celeriac. Not so terribly appealing, but it’s what’s on the inside that matters, people. If your eyes are not impressed, use your nose and pick that little baby up and smell it. Y-U-M. Though infused with an earthy flavour, their taste is so similar to celery, you would hardly know the difference. I discovered these gems in late summer at the local farmers market. The farmer snuck one into my grocery bag with a little wink and a nod and told me to trust her. I peeled it, chopped it up into large chunks, added some other delightful veggies and made a slow cooked soup broth. I let it simmer the day away and around supper time I had a taste….bam! Delish! I can’t even brag about my cooking here because it was so darn simple. After adding some leeks and potatoes, I made an amazing-nurture-the-soul-body-mind-guts-and-all masterpiece of a soup.

What’s in this lovely root vegetable for you?

Rich in Vitamins A, C, K, and E, essential oils, and carotene
It has anti-inflammatory (especially for the intestines), analgesic, and antiseptic properties and is calming (sigh)
High in minerals: calcium, iron, phosphorus, magnesium, zinc
Supports cellular health: beneficial in the maintenance of cell formation and metabolism, and helps maintain nervous system health
It can be helpful in weight-loss: it’s high in potassium which can relieve bloating, is high in fiber to fill you up, and low in calories

What else can I do with it?

Toss it into curry, chile, stew, stir-fry
Juice it! Try it with apples, parsley, carrot, fennel…
Add it to a mash
Slice and sauté with organic butter
Grate into a shredded salad/coleslaw

Note: celeriac keeps well in a root cellar and can be enjoyed well into the fall and winter months.

Celeriac: your “root” to better health!