7 Good reasons to eat more celery root (recipe included)
03/13/2021 / By Joanne Washburn / Comments
7 Good reasons to eat more celery root (recipe included)

Working with a new vegetable can provide inspiration in the kitchen. With this in mind, you might want to try the celery root.

Also known as celeriac, celery root is a bulbous vegetable with a whitish-brown peel and a flavor reminiscent of celery and parsley. Celery root is a relatively unknown vegetable. But that may soon change with its steadily rising popularity among health enthusiasts. For starters, it’s incredibly nutritious and versatile to boot.

Here are some other reasons you should definitely give celery root a try:

  • It provides nutrients – Celery root is a nutrient powerhouse. It contains high amounts of vitamins B6, C and K. Celery root also gives you ample amounts of dietary fiber, phosphorus, potassium and manganese. It is also low in both calories and fat, so it’s great for weight loss.
  • It’s loaded with antioxidants – Celery root is packed with antioxidants as well. These work to protect your cells from inflammation and damage caused by free radicals. Inflammation and cellular damage can raise your risk of developing serious problems, such as heart disease and cancer.
  • It supports heart health – Celery root is rich in two nutrients that keep your heart healthy: potassium and vitamin K. Potassium helps keep your blood pressure levels stable, while vitamin K prevents the buildup of calcium in your blood vessels, which can otherwise cause them to become narrow.
  • It strengthens bones – Celery root can help keep your bones strong and healthy thanks to phosphorus and vitamin K. Vitamin K helps your body absorb calcium better. Meanwhile, a higher intake of phosphorus is associated with better bone health and a lower risk of osteoporosis.
  • It boosts digestion – Celery root is an excellent source of dietary fiber, which you need for digestion. It also promotes regular bowel movement.
  • It fights cancer – Some test-tube and animal studies have shown that vitamin K reduced the growth of cancer cells. Vitamin K also prevented them from spreading. Since celery root is high in vitamin K, it might just help reduce your risk of cancer.
  • It’s versatile – You can enjoy celery root raw or cook and prepare it as a side dish. You can also use it as a base for your salads, soups, sauces, pies, roasts and casseroles.

Recipe for creamy vegan mashed celery root

Though largely unpopular in the United States, celery root is often added to salads, soups and stews in Eastern and Northern European cuisines. Raw celery root has a crunchy texture. When cooked, it takes on a softer texture similar to that of cooked potatoes, albeit less starchy. Celery root is available year-round.

Not sure what to do with your celery root? Mash and mix it with potatoes! This recipe features a vegan-friendly twist to classic mash that uses oat milk, which also adds a mild nuttiness to the entire dish. Serve it as a side for your protein main.

Ingredients for 6 servings:

  • 4 russet potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
  • 2 celery roots, peeled and cut into chunks
  • 4 cups unsweetened oat milk
  • 3/4 cup nutritional yeast
  • 1 tablespoon ground turmeric
  • 1 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
  • Ground black pepper
  • Kosher salt

Preparation:

  1. In a large saucepan, mix oat milk, celery root, turmeric, nutmeg, 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper and a large pinch of salt. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium-high heat and cook for 25 minutes or until the celery root can be pierced easily with a knife. Reserve 1 1/2 cups of the cooking liquid before draining.
  2. Transfer the celery root to a large bowl. Mash with a fork or a potato masher until smooth. Set aside.
  3. Place potatoes in a saucepan. Pour cold water to cover the potatoes and add a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Cook, partially covered, for 15 minutes.
  4. Drain, return the potatoes to the saucepan and mash with a fork or potato masher until smooth.
  5. Add the mashed celery root to the pan with the mashed potatoes. Add the reserved liquid and yeast.
  6. Stir to combine and season to taste with salt and black pepper. Serve warm.

Celery root may be a little intimidating to work with due to its rough, knobby appearance. But this superfood is loaded with nutrients and antioxidants that work to improve your overall health. So start eating more celery root today by incorporating it into your favorite dishes or trying out the mashed celery root recipe above.

Sources:

Healthline.com

MindBodyGreen.com

100% Fresh Food News, Right at Your Fingertips!
Find out everything you need to know about clean and healthy eating when you sign up for our FREE email newsletter. Receive the latest news on all the top superfoods, recipes, natural remedies, diets, food tips, and more!
Your privacy is protected. Subscription confirmation required.

Related Articles
Comments
comments powered by Disqus

100% Fresh Food News, Right at Your Fingertips!
Find out everything you need to know about clean and healthy eating when you sign up for our FREE email newsletter. Receive the latest news on all the top superfoods, recipes, natural remedies, diets, food tips, and more!
Your privacy is protected. Subscription confirmation required.

Popular articles