Celeriac

Appearance: Celeriac, or celery root, is a thick, bulbous root covered in a rough, brownish skin. Inside, its flesh is white, firm, and crunchy. It may not be the most attractive vegetable, but it offers a lot of flavor.

Texture and Taste: Celeriac has a firm and crunchy texture. Its taste resembles celery, with nutty notes and a slightly earthy flavor.

Buying Tips: Choose a celeriac that is heavy and firm. Don’t be tempted by the size of some celeriac roots; select ones that are reasonably large but not too big! The skin should be clear, without too many blemishes, and not overly rough. Give your celeriac a few taps: if it sounds hollow, it might be spongy and fibrous, which is not ideal for cooking!

How to Use It: Celeriac is very versatile in the kitchen. Here are some ideas for incorporating it into your dishes:

• Raw: Grate or cut it into julienne strips (slim sticks) to add to salads, like in the classic celery remoulade (see our recipe).

• Purees: Boil and mash it with butter and cream for a tasty side dish.

• Roasted: Cut it into cubes or slices and roast it in the oven with olive oil, salt, and herbs. For healthier fries, cut them into smaller sticks.

• Soup: Use it in soups and stews to add a rich and unique flavor.

Production and Arrival Season: In Quebec, celeriac is typically harvested around early August. This vegetable will be available until mid-May. Yes, you can even find Quebec celeriac in the winter!

Storage:

• In the refrigerator: Store whole celeriac in the vegetable drawer of your refrigerator. With its peel, it keeps well for several weeks.

• In the freezer: For longer storage, you can cut it into pieces and blanch it first. This way, it can be frozen for several months.

Additional Tip: After cutting it, drizzle it with lemon juice to prevent oxidation and browning. This will help it retain its beautiful white color.

Nutritional Information: Celeriac is rich in fiber, promoting good digestion. It also contains vitamins K and C, potassium, and antioxidants. These nutrients contribute to cardiovascular health, brain health, and the immune system. Also, they reduce inflammation.