Celeriac (''Apium graveolens'' Rapaceum Group, synonyms ''Apium graveolens'' Celeriac Group and ''Apium graveolens'' var. ''rapaceum''), also called celery root, knob celery, and turnip-rooted celery (although it is not a close relative of the turnip), is a group of cultivars of '' Apium graveolens'' cultivated for their edible bulb-like

hypocotyl The hypocotyl (short for "hypocotyledonous stem", meaning "below seed leaf") is the stem of a germinating seedling, found below the cotyledons (seed leaves) and above the radicle (root). Eudicots As the plant embryo grows at germination, it send ...

, and shoots. Celeriac is widely cultivated in the Mediterranean Basin and in

Northern Europe The northern region of Europe has several definitions. A restrictive definition may describe northern Europe as being roughly north of the southern coast of the Baltic Sea, which is about 54th parallel north, 54°N, or may be based on other ge ...

. It is also but less commonly cultivated in

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, and

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History

Wild celery ('' Apium graveolens''), from which both celeriac and

celery Celery (''Apium graveolens'' Dulce Group or ''Apium graveolens'' var. ''dulce'') is a cultivated plant belonging to the species ''Apium graveolens'' in the family Apiaceae that has been used as a vegetable since ancient times. The original wild ...

derive, originated in Europe and the Mediterranean Basin. It was mentioned in the ''

Iliad The ''Iliad'' (; , ; ) is one of two major Ancient Greek epic poems attributed to Homer. It is one of the oldest extant works of literature still widely read by modern audiences. As with the ''Odyssey'', the poem is divided into 24 books and ...

'' and ''

Odyssey The ''Odyssey'' (; ) is one of two major epics of ancient Greek literature attributed to Homer. It is one of the oldest surviving works of literature and remains popular with modern audiences. Like the ''Iliad'', the ''Odyssey'' is divi ...

'' as ''selinon''. ''Σέλινον'' has been translated by Lattimore as "the parsley that grows in wet places," by Murray as " parsley of the marsh," and by Butler as " wild celery." Celeriac was grown as a medicinal crop in some early civilizations.

Culinary use

Typically, celeriac is harvested when its

is in diameter. This is white on the inside, and can be kept for months in winter. It often serves as a key ingredient in soup. It can also be shredded and used in salads. The leaves are used as seasoning; the small, fibrous stalks find only marginal use. The

shelf life Shelf life is the length of time that a commodity may be stored without becoming unfit for use, consumption, or sale. In other words, it might refer to whether a commodity should no longer be on a pantry shelf (unfit for use), or no longer on a s ...

of celeriac is approximately six to eight months if stored between , and not allowed to dry out. However, the vegetable will tend to rot through the centre if the finer stems surrounding the base are left attached. The centre of celeriac becomes hollow as it ages, though even freshly harvested celeriacs can have a small medial hollow. The freshness will also be obvious from the taste; the older it is, the weaker the celery flavour.

Explanatory notes

References

External links

Nutritional Summary for Celeriac , cooked, boiled, drained, without salt
* {{Authority control Edible Apiaceae Root vegetables Celery de:Echter Sellerie#Knollensellerie it:Sedano rapa

History

Culinary use

See also

Explanatory notes

References

External links