WHAT IS CELERY SEED?
Celery seed is the dried seed or fruit of a wild celery plant. The tiny seeds are harvested from the flowers that bloom each year in the late summer. While celery was initially grown for cooking, celery seeds have also been used for medicinal purposes. Many cultures have used celery seeds for ages to treat various ailments, including colds and flu, constipation, high blood pressure, and even arthritis.
Celery seed contains different nutrients, such as essential oils, vitamins, and minerals. It is rich in vitamin K, vital for healthy bones and blood clotting. It also contains vitamins A and C, both of which are powerful antioxidants that protect the body against oxidative stress damage. Additionally, celery seed is high in electrolyte minerals such as potassium and magnesium.
Celery seeds may be tiny, but they are a powerful herb that can elevate many recipes. This herb is commonly used in salads, marinades, and dressings to bring a bit of earthy flavor to dishes. Learn how to cook with celery seeds and add a few new recipes to your list.
HOW TO USE CELERY SEEDS IN YOUR RECIPES
Whenever you don't have celery stalks or leaves on hand, celery seeds can bring that veggie flavor your recipe needs. Celery seeds add flavor and depth to simple dishes, such as soups, salads, and stews. You can add celery seeds to fermented foods like pickles and sauerkraut for an added aromatic flavor.
OTHER INGREDIENTS YOU CAN USE AS CELERY SEED SUBSTITUTIONS
Out of celery seeds? Don't worry. There are plenty of celery seed substitutes to choose from, including:
- Fresh Celery: Celery is a fundamental ingredient in many savory dishes. It has a crisp, aromatic flavor that can bring out the best in any dish.
- Fennel Seeds: Fennel Seed's sweet licorice flavor is a great celery seed substitute that can enhance the flavor of both sweet and savory dishes.
- Caraway Seeds: Another celery seed substitute is caraway seeds, a relative of the carrot family. Caraway seeds bring bittersweet flavor to recipes like rye bread, pork & stews.
- Dill Seeds: Dill Seeds help bring some zest to various dishes, including savory pork, seafood recipes, and mayonnaise-based salads.
CELERY SEEDS VS. CELERY FLAKES
Celery seeds are tiny, dark brown seeds from the celery plant, while celery flakes are dried and chopped celery leaves. The main difference between celery seeds and celery flakes is the intensity of their flavor. Celery seeds are much stronger, while celery flakes have a milder taste. So, if you're looking for a more intense celery flavor, celery seeds are the way to go. On the other hand, if you need a mild and subtle celery taste, celery flakes are your best bet.
RECIPES WITH CELERY SEEDS
- Sweet Cucumber Chips
- Spring Pea Soup
- Sweet Pepper Pickle Relish
- Spicy Pickled Green Tomato Relish
- Summertime Slaw
GET YOUR MCCORMICK CELERY SEEDS
Want to create a meal plan for your celery seed recipes? Need help planning your weekly meals and want to try new recipes? Save your favorite food, dessert, and drink recipes and organize your ingredients with McCormick Meal Planner.
