Collection: Celery Salt

(Also Known as "Old Bay Seasoning" - albeit this is an American brand name)

What does celery salt taste like?

Celery salt is a seasoning made with salt and ground celery or lovage, offering a somewhat grassy and bitter flavour. It typically consists of three parts salt and two parts celery seed. Celery seeds themselves are bitter, savoury, and lemony with a warm earthy taste. Interestingly, the bitter substances are eliminated when cooking. Celery seeds have a stronger flavour than stalks and leaves. Contrary to some beliefs, celery salt isn't just for Bloody Marys, though it wouldn't be bad if it were!

What flavours go well with celery salt?

• Mustard
• Paprika
• Garlic
• Onion
• Black Pepper
• Tomato

The reason celery salt pairs well with tomatoes is that it draws out the water, amplifying the fruit's sweetness. Our Great Taste award-winning Roman seasoning Vegeto is sublime on a plain tomato sandwich. The bitterness of the celery salt balances the tomato's sweetness, making it a healthier choice by default.

What are the health benefits of celery salt?

Celery salt is often considered healthier than normal table salt, which is typically high in sodium and can increase the risk of high blood pressure and stroke. Celery salt does not increase these risks. For a healthier table-top alternative, salt flakes are a good direction to consider. Learn more about "the salt conundrum" in your diet.

What are interesting facts about celery salt?

• For over 3,000 years, celery was a staple in the diets of ancient Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans. Celery leaves were woven into the crowns of sports winners, and its seeds were added to bread, wine, cheese, and soups by the Romans.
• In medieval Europe, celery was considered an aphrodisiac.
• By the 17th Century, Italians introduced the modern variety of celery we know today. However, "smallage," its wild relative, is still cultivated for its seeds, the base of celery salt. Various blogs suggest celery salt is a secret ingredient in KFC chicken.
• Celery contains 80% water but is not calorie-free.
• Celery seeds have the highest allergen content of the plant, so those allergic to celery should avoid celery salt.

What is the chief flavour compound found in celery salt?

Limonene: (citrus, herbal, and turpentine) provides the herbal taste of celery salt. Lactone compounds called phthalides add deep flavour, even in trace amounts. Both black pepper and coriander share the limonene compound.