Celery Salt - How To Use
Profile
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 why 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 award-winning 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.
Health Benefits
Is celery salt healthier than normal table salt?
Table salt 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.
Interesting Facts
- 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.
Chief Flavour Compound
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 limonene compound.
Blends to try with Celery Salt
-
Vegeto £8.95
Introducing Vegeto - Great Taste Award winner - 2023. Vegeto is a smokey all-purpose seasoning mix, with a whisper of bitterness from celery salt, and a hint of heat from ground chilli flakes. All natural, low sodium and vegan. This heritage spice mix pays homage to the ancient Romans' love of vegetables and pulses - inspired by the oldest collection of Roman cookery recipes by Marcus Gavius Apicius.
Endless culinary adventures - With highlights of garlic, paprika and basil, Vegeto is a perfect way to add flavour to roast vegetables, mashed potato, soups and salads. Try a pinch over smashed avocado on toast, or 2 tsp for a roast chicken marinade with some olive oil.
We mill and blend in-house. We endeavour to use the freshest spices that are within one year from field to jar with a focus on ingredients that come from regenerative farms.
-
Mitmita £8.95
Introducing Mitmita - A kaleidoscope of rich, spicy, sweet, and deep flavours that are all-natural, low sodium, and vegan. This spice mix derives from the Ethiopian Empire of Aksum. Featuring the after-heat of Birds Eye chilli peppers, smoky Ethiopian black pepper and undertones of celery salt.
Endless culinary adventures - Traditionally, Mitmita is used as a tabletop seasoning. This all-purpose spice mix adds complexity and balance to everything from a ribeye steak, to burgers, or prawns and poultry. It is perfect as a steak rub, or a barbeque marinade. It can even take a Bloody Mary cocktail to the next level. We recommend adding some fresh chilli if you want to heat up the alchemy even more.
We mill and blend in-house. We endeavour to use the freshest spices that are within one year from field to jar with a focus on ingredients that come from regenerative farms.
-
Advieh Mahi £8.95
Introducing Advieh Mahi - This ancient Persian spice mix derives from the Achaemenid Empire, 6th-century BC. It is aromatic and flavourful, with highlights of cumin seeds and fenugreek leaves. All natural, low sodium and vegan.
Endless Culinary Adventures - Advieh Mahi (Persian for "fish spice"), is the perfect spice mix for seafood dishes! When mixed with a neutral oil and brushed over fresh fish, this nutritious blend provides a tasty health boost. Why not try for seasoned cod, or salmon? Our customers tell us that this is the perfect spice mix for kedgeree, fish pie and even octopus lollipops with tempura batter!
We mill and blend in-house. We endeavour to use the freshest spices that are within one year from field to jar with a focus on ingredients that come from regenerative farms.