Herb & Spice Companion

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HERB & SPICE COMPANION

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CELERY SEEDS

Apium graveolens

Flavors: pungent, warm, bitter,

grassy, earthy, celery-like

Although it smells like celery, tastes like celery, and is called “celery,” celery seed don’t

come from that thick-stalked, produce-aisle staple at your local supermarket. The

potent, brown seeds are actually from a

related species called smallage, or wild

celery, an ancient plant whose stalks are

slender, exceedingly bitter, and inedible.

Common celery is actually derived

from wild celery, but they bear little

resemblance to one another. Wild cel-

ery seeds, however, taste remarkably

like a concentrated version of the juicy

vegetable. Its bitter leaves can be used

like parsley, but skip those skinny bitter

stalks!

In the Garden

Wild celery is a biennial that produces seeds in its second year. It likes temperate

climates and will grow healthily in a container, so it can be brought inside during

extreme heat or cold.

Size: 12 to 18 inches tall

Container: At least 12 inches in diameter

Light: Full sun to partial shade

Soil: Moist, rich, well drained

Celery Seeds

Water: Regularly, to keep the soil consistently moist

HEALTH BENEFITS

The bold flavor of celery seed makes

them a healthy substitute for salt in

any dish, a great perk for those who

are watching their salt intake. The

seeds are good for digestion and

helpful against inflammation, able to

alleviate symptoms of arthritis and

gout. Celery seeds can also help ease

cramps, lower blood pressure, relieve

anxiety, and improve sleep.

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