Leaf celery is a type of vegetable that is very popular among people. This plant is used to improve the taste of dishes. It is often included in weight loss menus and used to prepare folk remedies. The plant contains a unique set of vitamins and minerals. Therefore, many people are interested in the benefits and harms of leaf celery and how to grow this crop.
Appearance
Celery is a fairly popular plant that has different types.Thus, there are root, petiole and leaf varieties. The latter variety has a large volume of green mass. It is characterized by the following features:
- the root is quite thin and goes deep into the ground;
- the leaves are formed from a rosette, closely intertwined with each other;
- height depends on the variety - the plant can reach 36-65 centimeters.
The edible part of this crop is the leaves. They are similar in appearance to parsley, but the aroma and taste are significantly different.
Instructions for use
Leaf celery is best consumed fresh. Any type of heat treatment reduces the amount of nutrients. Celery can be dried and frozen. Greens contain a lot of vitamin C, which is of great importance for the immune system and blood vessels. 100 grams of the product contains the daily requirement of vitamin C, A and beta-carotene.
This product contains many essential oils that activate the functions of the nervous system. Therefore, it is useful to use it in the morning to cheer up. This type of green can even serve as a coffee replacement. This is especially true for people who cannot drink this drink due to pressure fluctuations during the day.
If constipation occurs, it is recommended to drink celery juice, mixing it with water in a ratio of 1:10. The strengthening effect of the product benefits nursing mothers whose children have intestinal obstructions.
In addition, celery juice is useful to consume before meals. This is due to the fact that this product helps stimulate appetite. In addition, eating greens before meals has a good effect on the kidneys and helps relieve inflammation. The product also copes with cramps during menstruation.
It is recommended to use the leaves with honey for prostate diseases.To do this, the greens must be mixed in equal parts with a beekeeping product and consumed 2 tablespoons 3 times a day. It is recommended to keep this mixture in the refrigerator.
How to use in cooking
Leaf celery is actively used in cooking. It can be used to prepare the following dishes:
- vegetable stews;
- salads;
- canning – celery complements canned tomatoes and tomato juice especially well;
- soups – fresh and dried celery makes an excellent seasoning.
This type of celery is considered an integral part of Georgian cuisine. It is used to prepare lobio, satsivi, and khinkali. Celery leaves can be combined with various spices, vegetables, and boiled meat. They also go well with tuna. You can make the dish more healthy and tasty by combining celery with nuts, paprika and other types of fresh herbs.
Leaf composition
Leaf celery contains many vitamins, making it extremely healthy. This product contains the following components:
- potassium;
- iron;
- sodium;
- calcium;
- phosphorus;
- purine;
- magnesium.
Celery greens are rich in essential oils, chlorogenic and oxalic acids, and beta-carotene. It also includes many vitamins B, A, C, E. 100 grams of leaves contain only 13 kilocalories.
Useful and harmful properties
Eating leaf celery has a beneficial effect on the body. If you include this product in your diet, you will get the following effects:
- relieve inflammation;
- protect cells from the negative effects of oxidative processes;
- prevent the development of cancer;
- cleanse the body of nicotine, radionuclides, toxins;
- strengthen the immune system;
- accelerate the breakdown of proteins, fats and carbohydrates;
- increase sexual desire;
- strengthen blood vessels;
- normalize blood pressure;
- reduce bad cholesterol levels;
- increase hemoglobin;
- achieve a laxative effect;
- increase the overall tone of the body;
- cleanse tissues of excess fluid;
- prevent Alzheimer's disease;
- establish metabolic processes;
- rejuvenate the body;
- reduce the content of carcinogenic substances;
- stabilize the menstrual cycle;
- cope with the unpleasant symptoms of menopause.
When consuming leaf celery, it is important to consider that it has quite a powerful effect on the body. It is worth taking into account the following features:
- greens have pronounced allergenic properties;
- the plant can negatively affect the condition of people suffering from epilepsy;
- fresh leaves have a laxative effect, so it is better for people with intestinal problems to consume them after heat treatment;
- with hypotension, it is important to be careful not to provoke a stronger decrease in pressure.
Growing instructions
For leaf celery, slightly acidic or neutral soil is suitable. It is important that it is loose enough. It takes 2-3 weeks for seeds to germinate. Therefore, the crop is best grown in seedlings. In regions with warm climates, it can be planted directly into the ground.
When growing leaf celery, it is recommended to consider the following:
- Before planting, the seeds must be treated with a solution of potassium permanganate. They need to be germinated on damp gauze.
- To plant a plant, it is recommended to prepare a substrate by mixing sand, peat, leaf soil and humus in equal parts. After sowing, the seeds should be sprinkled with peat.
- During the seed germination stage, it is recommended to maintain the temperature at +19 degrees. After the sprouts appear, it is reduced to +16 degrees.
- Planting work should be carried out in March.
- After 2 leaves appear, the plants need to be pruned. In this case, the main root must be pinched.
Leaf celery is considered a very moisture-loving crop, but it can also withstand short-term drought. It is recommended to water the plant 1-2 times a week. In order for the crop to grow green mass better, it needs to be fed.
For the first time, fertilizers are applied 2 weeks after planting the seedlings. To prepare the nutritional composition, you need to mix 40 grams of nitrophoska with 10 liters of water. After a couple of weeks, you need to use the mullein solution. To do this, it is mixed with water in a ratio of 1:10. After a month, it is necessary to apply a complex fertilizer of Kemira Hydro. In this case, it is recommended to take 10 grams of the substance for 10 liters of water.
Proper storage of leaves
To keep celery fresh for a long time, you need to do the following:
- Wash and dry the leaves. Then carefully wrap in a paper towel, place in a bag and put in the refrigerator.
- Freeze whole or chopped.
- Dry in the oven. This should be done at a temperature of +200 degrees for half an hour.
Leaf celery is a very healthy and tasty product that has a beneficial effect on the body. That’s why it’s so important to include it in your daily diet.
