Celery (Apium graveolens) of Mediterranean origin, is a very healthy aromatic plant with great nutritional and medicinal properties. It has striated stems, forming a thick stem with minted green leaves. It can be consumed raw in salads, fried, steamed, sauces and as a condiment for soups, stews, etc.
95% of celery is water, which makes it very low in calories and most of its nutrients are preserved after being steamed (between 83% and 99% of its antioxidants). It is an excellent source of vitamin K, it also contains vitamins A, C, B, folic acid, fiber and minerals such as potassium, sodium, calcium, zinc, magnesium, iron, sulfur, phosphorus, copper and silicon.
Although the origin of this plant is in the Mediterranean, celery is found in different areas such as: southern Sweden, the British Isles, Egypt, Algeria, India, China, New Zealand, California and the southernmost parts of the Americas. South, however, Europe and North America are what produce and market celery the most.
The oil, which is extracted from its seeds, contains a large amount of nutrients. It is generally used as a humectant, included in the manufacture of creams and perfumes.
In addition to consuming it in soups, salads and in a variety of recipes, celery can be used in the preparation of shakes, which is ideal for losing weight. Separate the stem from the branches, wash the stem well (approximately 6 pieces) and cut it into pieces, blend with a liter of water, sweeten with honey and refrigerate. Take on an empty stomach or between meals. Although this juice is not very pleasant, we can combine it with carrot, pineapple slices or orange juice.
Infusion or tea, cut the stem and wash it, boil a liter of water, when it starts to boil, add the stem. Let it boil for 5 minutes, turn off the heat and let stand for about 3 minutes, strain and serve. Have a glass or cup on an empty stomach and at night, before going to sleep.
It is very important to know that diuretic plants such as celery, can reduce potassium and other minerals stored in our body, therefore people who consume this type of plants should eat foods rich in potassium, such as bananas and fresh vegetables, in order to replace the minerals that are lost by the action of diuretics.
This crop does not resist the cold of winter.
Sowing is done in spring through the seeds, either in pots, orchard or directly on the ground.
It requires a well-nourished soil with organic matter and good drainage.
The seeds are sown in rows at a distance of 30 centimeters between plants and at a depth of approximately 0.3 to 0.5 cm.
In the case of sowing in a pot, the seedlings must be transplanted when the second pair of true leaves appears at a distance of 30 centimeters between each plant to achieve correct development.
The seeds will germinate between one and two weeks after sowing.
Celery needs to maintain its humidity to have a good development, therefore the irrigation should be every two days. If it is very hot, water every day, preferably in the morning and without wetting the leaves. Avoid the formation of puddles or mud on the ground.
Keep the surroundings free of weeds, this will avoid competition between plants and possible pests.
Remove old leaves, as this will encourage growth.
Celery should not be planted where before there was coriander, parsley, carrot, fennel or dill. This will prevent pests, diseases and loss of nutrients in the soil.
The harvest will be carried out when the plants are approximately 20cm high, washed and can be stored in a refrigerator in a bag that maintains moisture.
