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Environmental Nutrition: Celebrate celery root

By Lori Zanteson on

Environmental Nutrition

Celery root is gaining culinary popularity in this country, as well as appreciation for its excellent nutrient content.

The folklore

Celery root is widely known as celeriac, but is also called knob celery and turnip-rooted celery. Despite this bulbous and hairy root vegetable's reputation as the "ugly duckling" among vegetables, it has enjoyed historic popularity throughout Europe, and is mentioned in Homer's epic poem, "Odyssey," in 800 B.C. Early Greeks and Romans used celery root for medicinal and religious purposes, even as an aphrodisiac.

The facts

A member of the parsley family, along with celery, carrots, and parsnips, celery root (Apium graveolens var. Rapaceum) is a celery variety grown for its underground tuber, rather than its green, celery-like stalks. The root is usually harvested when it's three to five inches across. Beneath the rough, gnarled skin is white, crisp flesh with a celery-parsley-like flavor. A one-cup serving of celery root provides 80 percent DV (Daily Value, based on 2,000 calories/day) of vitamin K and 18 percent DV of phosphorus, for healthy bones, and 13 percent DV of heart-protecting potassium.

 

The findings

Research shows that dietary intake of vitamin K, from foods like celery root, may decrease risk of bone fractures (Medicine, 2017). Also rich in vitamin C, celery root provides a dietary dose of this heart-healthy vitamin. Research suggests dietary intake of vitamin C is more effective in reducing risk of high blood pressure than supplements (PLoS One, 2015). A large study on the role of fruits and vegetables on reducing risk of type 2 diabetes found that root vegetables, like celery root, were particularly effective (European Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 2012).

The finer points

Best from fall through early spring, celery root is available all year. Select roots that feel firm and heavy for their size. If stalks are attached, they should look fresh. Stored in cool, dark "root cellar" (or refrigerated) conditions, they will last months. Use a knife to remove all the skin and enjoy raw -- grated into salads or as crudites with hummus dip or cooked -- pureed into soups, cubed and roasted, sliced in gratins, or into chips baked with olive oil and sea salt.

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