Origin: Celery is believed to have originated from the Mediterranean basin. There are many literary journals and documents that state the use of celery as early as 850 BC. Most of the documents tell that the celery was cultivated for the medicinal purpose.
Celery was also considered a holy plant in Greece and was given to the winners of the Nemean Games. The Romans valued celery as well. They used it more for cooking than for religion. It held a lot of religious importance for them.
Though the celery belongs to the Mediterranean region, however, "wild" varieties of celery belong to southern Sweden, the British Isles, Egypt, Algeria, India, China, New Zealand, California and southernmost portions of South America.
The Italians discovered celery as a vegetable around the 17th century and they preferred self-blanching varieties of the celery. Early stalk celery had a tendency to produce hollow stalks. In North America green stalk celery is preferred and is mainly eaten raw.
Scientifically: Celery is botanically called Apium graveolens and belongs to the herb of the family Apiaceae (Umbelliferae). The tiny fruit or seed of the celery resembles the plant itself in taste and aroma and the seeds used as a seasoning, particularly in soups and pickles. Celery seed contains about 2 to 3 percent essential oil, the principal components of which are d-limonene and selinene.
This plant has a long fibrous stalk tapering into leaves. The leaves are usually pinnate to bipinnate with rhombic leaflets and the flowers are creamy-white in color. The seeds are broad ovoid in shape.
Usage: Celery is eaten as a vegetable, the seeds are used for seasoning and is also famous for its juice. It is also used to make salads, soups, and smoothies. s. Celery is loaded with vitamin B6, calcium, vitamin C, potassium, vitamin A, folate, vitamin K, fiber, and protein. Celery is full of antioxidants that helps in fighting free radicals, lowers cholesterol, risk of heart diseases.
It also helps in treating liver and kidney infections. Celery seed extracts are also known to treat high blood pressure because of their anti-hypertensive properties. Celery seeds contain antibacterial and antimicrobial properties and have been used to fight infections, skin infections, and boosts immunity as well. Celery juice helps in reducing weight and cleanses the system as well.
Below are some DIYs with celery:
- Extract some celery juice and apply it on the skin as a facial toner. Keep it on for 20 minutes and then rinse. The vitamin C and A help in reducing inflammation and reduce the size of the acne. It also cleanses the skin.
- Blend some celery with aloe vera gel. Apply this mixture on the face for 15 minutes. This helps in deep moisturizing the skin.
- Extract some fresh celery juice and add it to yogurt. Apply this mixture on the hair for 30 minutes. Shampoo it later. This helps in strengthening the roots and smoothens the hair.
- Take some fresh celery stalks and blend them into a thick paste. Add some honey and aloe vera gel. Apply this mixture on the face for 15 minutes. Wash it off later. This remedy helps in removing dirt.
- Take some celery juice and a tablespoon of oatmeal. Mix them and use as a scrub. This helps in removing dead skin and cleanses the skin texture.