Celeriac (2024)

What is celeriac?

The unsung hero of the vegetable world, knobbly, odd-shaped celeriac has a subtle, celery-like flavour, with nutty overtones. Try it as mash, in big-flavoured, slow-cook dishes, or in its classic form, and as they do in France, as a remoulade.

How to prepare celeriac

Using a sharp knife, top and tail the celeriac, then use a potato peeler to remove the rhino-tough skin. Expect to discard about a quarter of the celeriac by the time you've done this.

How to cook celeriac

Boils in 20 mins, roasts in around 40 mins when cut into rough-shaped chunks.

Recipe suggestions

Celeriac soup is a great winter staple, or try celeriac oven chips for a healthier twist. This root veg works well in creamy dishes, and with cheese – try a celeriac bake with parmesan crumbs for your next roast dinner, or keep things simple with a twist on mash potatoes, like our celeriac champ. Classic remoulade is traditionally served with cold cuts of meat and crusty bread.

How to store celeriac

In the salad drawer of your fridge. Celeriac discolours quickly once peeled or chopped, so immerse in a bowl of water, after chopping to size, with a squeeze of lemon juice or a splash of white wine vinegar added (also known as 'acidulated water').

When is celeriac in season?

Celeriac is available year round but is at its best from September to April.

Learn how to grow your own celeriac from the experts at Gardeners’ World.

Choose the best celeriac

Choose a firm root that feels heavy for its size. Avoid those that are discoloured.

Alternatives to celeriac

Try butternut squash, turnip or swede.

Celeriac (2024)

FAQs

What is celeriac called in the USA? ›

Celeriac (Apium graveolens var. rapaceum), also called celery root, knob celery, and turnip-rooted celery (although it is not a close relative of the turnip), is a variety of celery cultivated for its edible stem or hypocotyl, and shoots.

What is a celeriac? ›

Celeriac is a root vegetable closely related to celery. It can be enjoyed raw or cooked and works well in salads, as well as mashed, baked, roasted or boiled.

What is the nickname for celeriac? ›

This odd little food has earned the nickname of “The Ugly One” because of its bizarre, almost alien look, but it's proper name is celeric (also known as celery root, turnip-rooted celery or knob celery). It's used quite often in Europe, and the first record of it being used as food was in France in 1623.

Is celeriac just celery? ›

Celeriac is a type of celery grown for its root rather than its stalks. It's a popular vegetable in Europe and North Africa, where it's a favorite in salads, soups, and stews. The slow-maturing veggies are planted in the spring then harvested in the fall and winter.

Is celeriac healthier than potato? ›

Celeriac can also serve as an alternative to potatoes for people who are trying to reduce their calorie or carbohydrate intake. According to the USDA, one cup of boiled celeriac pieces contains 42 calories and 9.14 g of carbohydrate. The same amount of boiled potatoes provides 134 calories and 31.2 g of carbohydrate.

What root vegetable is similar to celeriac? ›

My suggestion for a celery root substitute would be parsnip. While parsnips don't taste anything like celery root, their color and texture would compliment the dish in a similar way as well as provide a nice flavor. As mentioned in other answers, celeriac is a very unique ingredient and is tough to replace.

What is the healthiest way to eat celeriac? ›

Celeriac soup is a great winter staple, or try celeriac oven chips for a healthier twist. This root veg works well in creamy dishes, and with cheese – try a celeriac bake with parmesan crumbs for your next roast dinner, or keep things simple with a twist on mash potatoes, like our celeriac champ.

Does celeriac taste like potato? ›

It has an earthy taste with a slight hint of celery flavor. The texture is close to a turnip or potato. Celeriac isn't just tasty, it also has some great health benefits. It's high in fiber and various vitamins and minerals.

What does celeriac taste off? ›

What does celeriac taste like? Celeriac has a mild celery flavor with a refreshing crunch and a little bitterness when raw, and a subtle undertone of sweetness when cooked. If you like radishes and turnips, you will love celeriac raw, and if you enjoy potatoes, you will like the cooked version.

What is celery and onions called? ›

The French flavor base called mirepoix is a combination of onion, carrot and celery generally cut to the same size. It's used in a ratio that's 2 parts onion to 1 part celery and carrot. Saute in Butter. Mirepoix is the start of many French dishes, such as coq au vin and lamb stew.

Is celeriac the same as rutabaga? ›

Celeriac is one of my favorite roots. It's sweet, savory, and has a slight flavor of celery. Rutabaga is a cross between a potato and a turnip; it has a great texture and a sweet edge that is wonderful roasted.

Is turnip a celeriac? ›

Despite its name, it is not a close relative of the turnip. Celeriac is like a root vegetable except it has a bulbous hypocotyl with many small roots attached.

What is celeriac usa called? ›

Fun facts about celeriac:

Other names for celeriac or celery root include “celery knob” and “turnip celery.” Celery root became available in the U.S. in the 19th century but never became mainstream. Historically, it has been much better known in Europe, Western Asia and North Africa.

What pairs well with celeriac? ›

Cream: Celeriac can be paired with cream for a rich and creamy side dish. Meats: Celeriac can be paired with meats such as bacon, sausage, ham, and chicken. Nuts: Celeriac can be paired with nuts such as hazelnuts, almonds and walnuts for added texture and flavour.

Is celery good for sperm? ›

Studies suggest that celery has protection against a substance that may damage sperm count. Celery benefits for sperm are notable, as celery extract enhances sexual performance and improves sperm count. It may be because it appears to have inhibitive effects against free radicals, which can adversely impact fertility.

What is celeriac in American English? ›

celeriac in American English

(səˈlɛriˌæk ) noun. a variety of celery (Apium graveolens var. rapaceum) grown for its edible, fleshy, white root.

Is Lovage a celeriac? ›

It's related to the celeriac/celery and cumin. The. seeds are called Kings Jeera (cumin) in Indian.

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