Getting to Know Celeriac and Celery Root

Celeriac and celery root might sound like the same thing, but they’re not. They’re unique veggies with their own quirks. Knowing the difference can make your cooking game stronger.

What’s Celeriac?

Celeriac, or celery root, is a root veggie from the celery family. Unlike the crunchy celery stalks, celeriac is all about that big, gnarly root. It’s got a rough, bumpy skin, but inside, it’s creamy and white.

Celeriac has an earthy taste with a hint of celery and parsley. You can toss it in soups, stews, salads, or roast, mash, or puree it. It’s less stringy than celery stalks, making it easier to handle in recipes.

What’s Celery Root?

Celery root is just another name for celeriac. But sometimes, people use it to talk about the root of regular celery stalks. Here, we’re sticking to calling celeriac “celery root” to keep things clear.

Don’t mix up celeriac with the actual root of the celery plant that gives you those green stalks. That root isn’t as tasty and doesn’t pack the same flavor punch as celeriac.

For more veggie comparisons, check out our articles on sweet potato Vs. yam in the fridge and scallion Vs. green onion in the fridge.

By knowing what celeriac and celery root are, you can appreciate their unique qualities and use them better in your kitchen. For tips on keeping these veggies fresh, see our storage tips later on.

Looks and Texture

When you’re comparing celeriac and celery root, knowing how they look and taste helps you use them right in your recipes.

Physical Differences

Celeriac and celery root might look alike, but they have some key differences.

Attribute	Celeriac	Celery Root
Shape	Knobby, irregular	Smooth, rounded
Color	Pale brown, rough skin	Light tan, less textured
Size	Larger, bulkier	Smaller, more compact

• Celeriac: Knobby, irregular shape with pale brown, rough skin. Usually bigger and bulkier.
• Celery Root: Smoother, more rounded, with light tan skin. Generally smaller and more compact.

Taste and Aroma

The taste and smell of celeriac and celery root can vary, giving your dishes different flavors.

Attribute	Celeriac	Celery Root
Taste	Earthy, nutty, slightly sweet	Mild, slightly sweet, celery-like
Aroma	Earthy, somewhat pungent	Mild, fresh, celery-like

• Celeriac: Earthy, nutty flavor with a bit of sweetness. Smells earthy and a bit pungent.
• Celery Root: Mild, slightly sweet taste with a celery-like flavor. Smells mild and fresh, like celery.

Knowing these differences helps you pick the right veggie for your recipes. For more veggie comparisons, visit our articles on sweet potato Vs. yam in the fridge and scallion Vs. green onion in the fridge.

Nutritional Value

When you’re comparing celeriac and celery root, knowing their nutritional profiles is key. Both veggies are healthy and can be great additions to your diet.

Nutrient Profile of Celeriac

Celeriac is low in calories but packed with nutrients. It’s a great source of vitamins, minerals, and fiber.

Nutrient	Amount per 100g
Calories	42 kcal
Carbohydrates	9.2 g
Dietary Fiber	1.8 g
Protein	1.5 g
Fat	0.3 g
Vitamin C	8 mg
Vitamin K	41 µg
Potassium	300 mg
Magnesium	20 mg

Celeriac is rich in Vitamin K, which is important for blood clotting and bone health. It’s also high in potassium, which helps control blood pressure, and fiber, which aids digestion.

Nutrient Profile of Celery Root

Celery root, or celeriac, has a similar nutrient profile. It’s also packed with vitamins and minerals.

Nutrient	Amount per 100g
Calories	42 kcal
Carbohydrates	9.2 g
Dietary Fiber	1.8 g
Protein	1.5 g
Fat	0.3 g
Vitamin C	8 mg
Vitamin K	41 µg
Potassium	300 mg
Magnesium	20 mg

Celery root is also high in Vitamin K and potassium. The nutrient profiles of celeriac and celery root are almost the same, making them interchangeable in terms of health benefits.

For more info on comparing veggies, check out our articles on sweet potato Vs. yam in the fridge and scallion Vs. green onion in the fridge.

Adding celeriac and celery root to your diet can give you lots of health benefits while spicing up your meals.

Cooking Ideas

Both celeriac and celery root can add something special to your dishes. Knowing how to use them can make your meals more exciting.

Cooking with Celeriac

Celeriac is super versatile. Its earthy flavor and firm texture make it great for roasting, mashing, and pureeing.

• Roasting: Cut celeriac into cubes, toss with olive oil, salt, and pepper, and roast at 400°F for about 30-40 minutes.
• Mashing: Boil celeriac until tender, then mash with butter, cream, and seasonings.
• Pureeing: Cook celeriac until soft, then blend with broth for a smooth puree.

Cooking Method	Temperature	Time
Roasting	400°F	30-40 minutes
Boiling for Mashing	N/A	20-25 minutes
Pureeing	N/A	Until soft

For more recipe ideas, check out our section on Delicious Celeriac Recipes.

Cooking with Celery Root

Celery root can be used in many ways, just like celeriac.

• Salads: Julienne celery root and mix with a light vinaigrette for a refreshing salad.
• Gratin: Layer thin slices of celery root with cream and cheese, then bake until golden and bubbly.
• Soups: Add diced celery root to soups for an earthy flavor and hearty texture.

Cooking Method	Temperature	Time
Raw for Salads	N/A	N/A
Gratin	375°F	45-50 minutes
Soups	N/A	25-30 minutes

Explore more recipes in our section on Tasty Celery Root Recipes.

Using these cooking methods, you can bring out the best flavors and textures of celeriac and celery root. For tips on storing these veggies, see our sections on storing celeriac in the fridge and storing celery root in the fridge.

Storage Tips

Keeping celeriac and celery root fresh in the fridge is key to making them last. Here’s how to store them right.

Storing Celeriac in the Fridge

Celeriac can stay fresh for weeks if stored properly. Here’s how:

1. Cleaning: Scrub off any dirt gently. Don’t wash it, as moisture can cause spoilage.
2. Wrapping: Wrap in a paper towel to absorb moisture, then place in a plastic bag.
3. Temperature: Store in the veggie drawer of your fridge.

Storage Method	Storage Duration
In a plastic bag with paper towel	2-3 weeks
Unwrapped	1-2 weeks

Storing Celery Root in the Fridge

Store celery root the same way to keep it crisp and tasty.

1. Cleaning: Remove dirt by scrubbing gently. Avoid washing.
2. Wrapping: Wrap in a paper towel to keep it dry, then place in a perforated plastic bag.
3. Temperature: Store in the veggie drawer of the fridge.

Storage Method	Storage Duration
In a perforated plastic bag with paper towel	2-3 weeks
Unwrapped	1-2 weeks

Proper storage keeps celeriac and celery root fresh and ready for your recipes. For more tips on storing veggies, check out our articles on sweet potato Vs. yam in the fridge and scallion Vs. green onion in the fridge.

Recipe Ideas

Delicious Celeriac Recipes

Celeriac is versatile and can be used in many dishes. Here are some tasty recipes:

Celeriac Mash

Celeriac mash is a great alternative to mashed potatoes. It’s creamy and has a subtle celery flavor.

Ingredients:

• 1 large celeriac, peeled and cubed
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 2 tbsp butter
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Boil the celeriac and garlic in salted water until tender.
2. Drain and return to the pot.
3. Add the heavy cream and butter.
4. Mash until smooth and season with salt and pepper.

Celeriac Soup

Celeriac soup is comforting and perfect for a cold day. It’s creamy and flavorful.

Ingredients:

• 1 large celeriac, peeled and chopped
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Sauté the onion and garlic until translucent.
2. Add the celeriac and vegetable broth.
3. Simmer until the celeriac is tender.
4. Blend until smooth and stir in the heavy cream.
5. Season with salt and pepper.

Celeriac Fries

Celeriac fries are a healthy and tasty alternative to regular fries. They’re crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.

Ingredients:

• 1 large celeriac, peeled and cut into fries
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: paprika or garlic powder for extra flavor

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 425°F.
2. Toss the celeriac fries with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
3. Spread on a baking sheet in a single layer.
4. Bake for 25-30 minutes, turning halfway through, until golden and crispy.

Tasty Celery Root Recipes

Celery root can also be used in many recipes. Here are some tasty ideas:

Celery Root Gratin

Celery root gratin is creamy and cheesy, perfect as a side or main dish.

Ingredients:

• 1 large celery root, peeled and thinly sliced
• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1 cup grated Gruyere cheese
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
2. Layer the celery root slices in a baking dish.
3. Combine the heavy cream, garlic, salt, and pepper.
4. Pour over the celery root and top with grated Gruyere cheese.
5. Bake for 45 minutes until golden and bubbly.

Celery Root Slaw

Celery root slaw is crunchy and refreshing, perfect for picnics and barbecues.

Ingredients:

• 1 large celery root, peeled and shredded
• 1 carrot, shredded
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Combine the shredded celery root and carrot in a large bowl.
2. In a separate bowl, mix the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper.
3. Pour the dressing over the slaw and toss to coat.

Roasted Celery Root

Roasted celery root is simple and flavorful, great as a side dish.

Ingredients:

• 1 large celery root, peeled and cubed
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F.
2. Toss the celery root cubes with olive oil, salt, pepper, and herbs.
3. Spread on a baking sheet in a single layer.
4. Roast for 25-30 minutes, until tender and golden.

For more veggie comparisons, check out our articles on sweet potato Vs. yam in the fridge and scallion Vs. green onion in the fridge.

Health Benefits

Health Benefits of Celeriac

Celeriac is packed with nutrients and offers many health benefits. It’s a great addition to your diet.

Nutrient	Amount per 100g	% Daily Value (DV)
Calories	42	2%
Carbohydrates	9.2g	3%
Dietary Fiber	1.8g	7%
Vitamin C	8mg	13%
Vitamin K	41mcg	51%
Potassium	300mg	9%

1. Rich in Fiber: Helps with digestion and keeps your gut healthy.
2. High in Vitamin K: Important for bone health and blood clotting.
3. Good Source of Vitamin C: Boosts your immune system and promotes healthy skin.
4. Low in Calories: Great for weight management.
5. Contains Antioxidants: Protects your cells from damage. For more on antioxidants, visit our guide on antioxidants in food.

Health Benefits of Celery Root

Celery root shares many of the same health benefits as celeriac due to its similar nutritional profile.

Nutrient	Amount per 100g	% Daily Value (DV)
Calories	42	2%
Carbohydrates	9.2g	3%
Dietary Fiber	1.8g	7%
Vitamin C	8mg	13%
Vitamin K	41mcg	51%
Potassium	300mg	9%

1. Supports Heart Health: Potassium helps maintain normal blood pressure levels.
2. Promotes Bone Health: High vitamin K content is good for bone density.
3. Boosts Immune Function: Vitamin C enhances your body’s natural defenses.
4. Aids in Digestion: Fiber helps regulate bowel movements.
5. Low Glycemic Index: Suitable for managing blood sugar levels. Learn more about managing blood sugar in our article on celery root and diabetes.

Both celeriac and celery root offer a variety of health benefits, making them valuable additions to your diet. For more veggie comparisons, check out our articles on sweet potato Vs. yam in the fridge and scallion Vs. green onion in the fridge.

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