Have you ever tasted your celery and reeled backward because it was so bitter? I know I have. Why does celery taste so bad? How should it even taste? We’ll be answering these questions and more in this article- a fun expose on celery. So let’s dive right in!
Why does celery taste so bad?
Celery should not taste unusually bitter. Sure it is not the sweetest vegetable, but it isn’t all that bitter either. Most people would describe the taste as either firm, stringy, or lacking flavor. But not terrible. If celery tastes so bad, you might want to look for a few things.
One reason celery taste so bad is that it might not have enough nutrients or water. If you grow it yourself, you also want to watch how much heat your celery is exposed to. If store-bought, it might have been exposed to too much heat. If the soil used to grow were unhealthy and too hot, it would taste bitter.
If celery taste so bad to you, it might just be your palate.
Why does celery taste like soap?
Another reason celery taste so bad is that it was not washed well enough to get all the soap out or a genetic issue.
Some time ago, a study showed that a certain percentage of people taste cilantro differently. The same can apply to celery. But, of course, different people experience tastes and smell differently, so it could simply be how your taste buds are built!
Why does celery taste salty?
Does its salty nature make celery taste so bad? This is because of the sodium content in celery. You can get up to 35.2mg of sodium in just one stalk of celery.
This also explains why organically-grown celery isn’t as salty as store-bought celery. Because organically grown celery maintains its stalk, this often makes it seem less salty. At least to the palate.
Why does my celery taste bitter?
If you are sure it’s not just your palate, it is probably because the batch you’re eating wasn’t grown properly or the plant is overripe.
Does celery taste like pepper?
Celery doesn’t taste like pepper, but it gives your mouth a tingly feeling when you eat it. Similar to mint. It also has a powerful and distinct flavor that few people describe as peppery. At best, it tastes crispy with a very mild hint of mint.
How to make celery taste good
Sautéing celery can make it taste better. You can add carrots, broccoli, onions, bell peppers, and other vegetables. Add some seasoning like soy sauce, garlic, or pepper for added flavor. This makes it taste a lot better. You can also add it to soups, stews, and sauces to spice them up.
How long does it take celery to cook?
Whether frying them in butter, sautéing them, or boiling them, celery takes about 5 to 6 minutes to cook thoroughly. When fried, they achieve a golden, crisp color that lets you know they are ready to be eaten. Feel free to serve it with a side dish of your choice.
What happens if you eat bad celery?
Like other foods, eating celery after it gets rotten can make you sick. You could get a mild or severe case of food poisoning. This can result in stomach aches, vomiting, or diarrhea.
How to know celery is bad
Over time, celery becomes soft. If it gets to a point where it is too tender and is covered with slime, that is an indicator that it has gone bad. You can also tell when the leaves start growing mold.
Is bitter celery safe to eat?
Yes, it certainly is! There is absolutely nothing wrong with eating celery when it tastes bitter. Although it might not be packed with as many nutrients as its less bitter counterparts, it is also pretty good for you. And, of course, you can always sauté it to make it tastier!
Can you get sick from eating old celery?
Unless it has gone bad, eating old celery will not make you sick. Old celery is typically paler than fresh celery. So if it isn’t mushy, slimy, or moldy, you will not get sick if you eat it. Just keep an eye out to be sure it isn’t rotten.
What to do with too much celery
If you find yourself having excess celery after a large meal, you can use it for any of these meals:
A salad
Any salad will work. I usually prefer to make everything green, then add a dash of celery leaves, some herbs, and some nuts. You could decide to go for a tomato salad or a chicken salad. Simply add some celery.
Casserole
You can also get some use out of your leftover celery by using it to make a casserole. Try out any of your favorite cabbage or chicken casserole recipes, and see how a bit of celery brings it all together!
Soups
Celery is always a great addition to soups and sauces. The crunchiness and strong flavor give you something to chew on and make your soup more memorable. So give it a try and see how you like it.
Can you eat the leafy part of celery?
Yes, you can definitely eat celery leaves. All parts of celery can be eaten. The leaves are a perfect fit for bringing your salad together. You can also choose to use it as a garnish for your meal.
Can you eat raw celery leaves?
Yes, you can eat raw celery leaves. Whether in your favorite chicken salad or sprinkled on some crispy fried shrimps, celery leaves have a fine texture that can be thoroughly enjoyed- cooked or raw.
Does celery have chlorophyll?
Yes, celery is rich in chlorophyll. Other veggies rich in chlorophyll include kale, spinach, broccoli, collard greens, green peas, cabbage, Brussels sprouts, etc. You could pick any of these veggies at random and have the perfect green salad.
