Maybe your name, celeriac, it may not be very well known to you, but this vegetable has very interesting properties for which you should start including it in your regular diet. We know that it will be difficult for you to do it a priori, due to its not very appetizing appearance, however, you can prepare delicious recipes with it, very healthy and full of virtues. Not in vain, this vegetable is used in Chinese traditional medicine and it is one of the favorites in the ayurvedic diet.
In this article we want to tell you everything about celeriac and its medicinal properties, as well as how you can prepare it in the kitchen, so that you can take advantage of its flavor, its texture and its nutrients and virtues. When you know everything it can give you, you will love it. We assure you.
What is celeriac
The first thing you should know is how to recognize celeriac. It won't be difficult for you to do it as soon as you see a photo and, in fact, I'm sure that now you remember seeing him in passing in the supermarket pantry once, but having passed by because his appearance was quite strange and even unpleasant. You've probably thought: What the hell is that?! And you considered valid the conclusion that it was some modern plant graft, rejecting the slightest possibility of trying it.
Maybe he celeriac It may not be one of the most beautiful vegetables in the garden, but believe us, inside it is worth gold.
It is also known as celery root y turnip root celery. It is, in short, a celery, but with the difference that this celery is from the root and not from the stem like the common celery we are used to. Don't be surprised if you find him qualified as celery radish, although it is not spicy like that one, but, on the contrary, quite mild and even with a sweet touch.
You will recognize him by his balloon shape, very rooted, full of roots they give you one rough and rough texture and that monstrous appearance. Of color between cream and brown, it doesn't bother you to put it in your mouth, true, but things change when your culinary skills come into action (you don't need to be a Masterchef either, mind you), and you make a delicious and super healthy dish.
Where is celeriac grown?
To get closer to the celeriac And to encourage us to try it, it is good to know some details, such as where it comes from, for example. It is unknown for sure what it is the origin of this vegetable, although it is thought that it could be in germany. There are theories that suggest that the first crops of it arose in the eighteenth century and, the truth is that it quickly spread to other European countries such as France, England, Eastern Europe and even reached the United States. Other currents consider that it was already cultivated in the Middle Ages and that Charlemagne was a defender of its cultivation.
The reality is that in other countries it is widely consumed and it is one of the favorite autumn vegetables. And in Spain it may still have a way to go to conquer us and for its cultivation to spread here as well, because only a few are produced in regions such as Logroño, the Balearic Islands and Catalonia. And most of the fresh celeriac we find comes from outside.
What does celeriac give us?
El celeriac is a light foodbecause its higher content is water. Provide some 42 calories per 100 grams, which makes it a perfect food to lose weight without risking health, because it is a source of essential nutrients. Only 5% is carbohydrate and it barely has protein.
On the contrary, this tuber provides large amounts of vitamins and minerals. Between them, Vitamin K, B6, Vitamin C. And minerals like match, potassium and manganese.
We must not forget the fiber intake, which helps us regulate intestinal transit and purify ourselves inside.
Benefits of including celeriac in the diet
La ayurvedic diet be encouraged to consume celeriac, because it's digestive if consumed cooked, Low in calories, rich in fiber and, furthermore, we must highlight its medicinal properties because:
- It's diuretic.
- Depurative.
- Helps reduce total and LDL cholesterol levels.
- Its high content of antioxidants and flavonoids contribute to preventing cancer.
- Its consumption prevents us from contracting viral diseases and infections.
- Thanks to vitamin K, it helps the body to better absorb calcium to strengthen bones.
- It is good for regulating blood pressure.
- Good substitute for potatoes in the diet of diabetic people, because it is low in carbohydrates and starch.
- Cleansing for the liver, due to its content in vitamins B6 and C.
- Due to its potassium content, it frees you from fluid retention.
How to cook celeriac to take advantage of its properties
Celeriac can be eaten raw, although here it is not so digestive, so if you have a tendency to flatulence or have heavy digestion, it is better to avoid it raw and eat it cooked.
Its flavor is rich, because it is soft, with a sweet and slightly spicy touch, but very mild, which reminds us a little of the flavor of parsley. An ideal tuber to prepare in creams, soups and even boiled or sautéed with oil and garlic, for omelettes, etc.
How to grow celeriac?
If after reading this article you are considering grow celeriac, you have to know what their needs are:
- The soil is better loose and rich in organic matter. Well oxygenated and well plowed at good depth.
- Be careful with watering and humidity. Drip or sprinkler irrigation is preferable because it is essential to prevent the water from rotting its roots or causing fungi to appear.
- It does not tolerate excess sun, so the ideal time to plant it is at the end of winter to collect it in autumn.
What diseases and pests affect celeriac?
By avoiding excess humidity we will avoid the presence of mushrooms. On the other hand, these crops are exposed to the action of caterpillars and worms, in addition to the aphids or cabbage flies.
Regarding diseases, the most common are Mildew, soil fungus and white rust.
Knowing What properties does celeriac have?Are you willing to include it in your life? If you look for recipes on the Internet and try some, perhaps you will be won over by its flavor, because this vegetable does not lack virtues.