Get to know:

The name celery is an umbrella term covering several different types of of the family graveolens. Within this specie there are three more important varities, one is Pascal or table celery, which is larger than most other celery types, with firm, solid stalks and leafy ends, commonly available on grocery shelves. Another important types is , also known as celery, which is characterised by a large root ball with a unique nut-like . The third type is the leafy celery or celery, which looks similar to flat-leaf Italian but like celery. The has been praised for being a “negative calorie” food, meaning that one hypothetically burns more calories when eating it than what it supplies in return. Whether true or not the plant does contain very few calories per 100g, making it any dieter’s favourite.

Nutrition One cup (100g) of celery has 16 calories, 2.97 g of , 1.83g of fibre, and 0.69 g of . With 16 calories per 1-cup cooked serving, celery fills you up without costing you too many calories. If you're trying to control your calorie intake to lose weight or maintain a healthy weight, foods like celery make a good choice. Fun Facts The name ‘celery’ is derived from the word Selinon, a Latinisation of the word serino meaning parsley – due to its leafy resemblance. As a it has been highly praised throughout history and has been found on ancient Egyptian wall paintings and Greek coins. However, the most peculiar appreciation may be with the British Premier League soccer Chelsea supporters who regularly sing songs about celery and are famous for throwing it onto the football pitch during matches. Should you find yourself in a Chelsea pub then order the ‘Chelsea Cocktail’, where one is served a pint of Guinness - garnished with a stick of celery. Health Benefits Celery is an important vegetable for and anti-inflamatory nutrients, such as C, beta-carotene, and . It also provides high levels of and molybdenum, which have been associated with maintenance of good sulphur levels, reduced cardiovascular damage and promotion of bone growth. However, one of its greater attributes is the high fibre content that helps protect the digestive tract.

source: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Celery, www.whfoods.com/, worldsoccer.about.com/od/soccercultur1/a/Celery.htm image: bengardranch.com

With Celery you can try:

Buffalo Grilled Chicken Sandwiches with Celery Slaw Recipe by: Tabasco.com, adapted by Kurt Ackermann Serves: 6

What You Need:

 6 thin-sliced chicken breasts from freely foraging fowl, de-boned, skin off (about 1kg)  1/2 cup Tabasco  1/4 cup South African extra virgin  8 ribs table celery, sliced thin on the diagonal (about 2 1/2 cups)  2 tablespoons crème fraiche (or buttermilk or cultured )  1 , minced  1 tablespoon each minced , parsley, and celery leaves  West coast sea and freshly ground to taste  1 cup South African chevin goat’s (or smooth cottage cheese or labneh)  1 to 3 tablespoons water  3 tablespoons crumbled Karoo or Knysna blue cheese  12 thick slices Woodstock Bakery sourdough bread

What To Do:

 Place chicken breasts in a large, resealable plastic bag or glass bowl with lid; add the Tabasco and olive oil and turn to coat. Let marinate for at least 1 hour or refrigerate overnight. (Reserve the bones and skin to make chicken .)

 Combine celery, crème fraiche, garlic, , salt and pepper in a small bowl or plastic container and refrigerate until ready to use. (Reserve leftover celery and herbs to make chicken stock)

 Place chevin in another small bowl and add water, mixing with a fork or whisk until it reaches the consistency of thick ; crumble in the blue cheese and mix gently; refrigerate until ready to use.

 When ready to prepare, preheat grill to medium-high heat. Remove chicken from marinade and cook until just cooked through, about 3 to 5 minutes a side. Toast bread slices on one side each and spread chevin-blue cheese mixture on half the slices; top each with chicken and a generous helping of celery slaw, and place a second slice on top, toasted side down.

 Keep serviettes and additional Tabasco close at hand.

source: www.tabasco.com/tabasco-recipes/recipe/4394/buffalo-grilled-chicken-sandwiches-with-celery- slaw/

More information

 Celery Martini: yummly.com/recipe/external/Celery-Martini-440957  Celery Black Pepper Tofu (Vegan): yummly.com/recipe/external/Celery-Black-Pepper-Tofu- 1248446  Celery & Dip: taste.com.au/recipes/9565/celery+and+onion+dip+with+prawn+crackers