(also known as "old bay seasoning albeit this is an American brand name".)
What does celery salt taste like?
It is a seasoning made with salt and ground celery or lovage, with a somewhat grassy and bitter flavour. Celery salt is typically three parts salt and two parts celery seed. Celery seeds themselves are bitter, savoury and lemony with a warm earthy taste. The bitter substances are eliminated by heat when cooking. Celery seeds have a stronger flavour than stalks and leaves. Contrary to some belief, celery salt isn't just for Bloody Marys, although would it be that bad if it were the case?
What flavours go well with celery salt?
Mustard
Paprika
Garlic
Onion
Black Pepper
Tomato
The reason celery salt goes well with tomatoes is because it draws out the water of the tomato which in effect is drawing out the flavours in the tomato. It amplifies the sweetness of the tomato fruit. Our Great Taste award-winning Roman seasoning Vegeto is sublime sprinkled on a plain tomato sandwich, as the bitterness of the celery salt in the blend balances the sweetness of the tomato. And it's healthier for you, simply by default.
What are the health benefits of celery salt?
Often we are asked if celery salt healthier than normal table salt?
If we start with table salt, it is typically high in sodium. Sodium is known to increase the risk of high blood pressure and stroke when consumed in large amounts. Consequently, celery salt will not increase your risk of known diseases. Read more about “the salt conundrum” in your diet. Typically salt flakes are a good direction to go when you are looking for healthy salt on the the table top.
What are interesting facts about celery salt?
For over 3,000 years, celery was a staple in the diets of the ancient Egyptians, Greeks and Romans. The ancient Greeks and Romans intertwined celery leaves into the crowns of winners of sports events with the Romans also adding the seeds to bread, wine, cheese and soups. You can read more about ancient Roman Cuisine here.
In medieval Europe, celery was considered an aphrodisiac.
By the 17th Century, a new kind of celery came into existence, introduced by Italians, the celery we know today. However, its wild relative "smallage", which celery can also be known as, is the variety that is still cultivated today for its seeds that are part base of celery salt. Various blogs suggest that celery salt is the secret ingredient in KFC chicken.
Celery contains eighty per cent water, although contrary to belief, it is not zero calories.
Celery seeds contain the highest amount of the allergen of the celery plant, so if you are allergic to celery, you should stay well clear of celery salt.
What is the chief flavour compound found in celery salt?
Limonene: (citrus, herbal and turpentine) The herbal taste of the spice is produced by lactone compounds called phthalides, where trace amounts give a deep flavour. Both black pepper and coriander share the same limonene compound.
