Celery's crunchy texture, fresh flavour and low calories make it a family favourite for many reasons! Use it as a snack, in a salad or in a stew.

How do we make sure we provide top quality celery?

We only supply celery if the stalks are fresh and turgid (the trademark crispness of the celery stalk is the result of the high water content in the plant's cells; low water content will mean wilted stalks). We also make sure the leaves are fresh and smooth (the leaves tend to get stickier as the celery ages). Colour is another indicator that we use: the celery should be light green and glossy (darker colours tend to have a stringy texture). The shape must be compact, and the celery must be free of discolourations, bruises and disease (such as blackheart, brown checking and pith breakdown).

Where do we source our celery from?

The cooler nights around Western Port and Gippsland areas make them ideal for growing celery, and that's where we source most of our celery from. Celery is grown on a biennial basis, meaning that it takes two seasons to grow. The celery head forms during the first season, and the main stem elongates during the second. It's a long time between planting and harvesting, but we think it's well worth the wait!

What is the best way to keep celery?

Celery is best kept in an airtight plastic bag in the fridge. Keep the celery away from the coldest areas of the fridge - the high water content of celery means that it freezes easily, which destroys its cell structure. You can sprinkle celery with water to prevent it wilting.

Celery nutritional information

Celery is very low in calories, so it is a fantastic food for those trying to control their weight. It's also an excellent source of vitamin C, which helps support the immune system and protect against free radical damage. Celery is also a good source of vitamin A, calcium, phosphorus, sodium, potassium and dietary fibre. Chinese medicinal practitioners use celery to reduce high blood pressure, and it has also been linked to lowering cholesterol.

Serving tips and suggestions

Celery can be used as a snack, in a salad or in a stew. If your celery begins to wilt, you can revive it by submerging it in ice water for a short while - this will refresh the cells, giving the celery a fresher look and feel, and a crunchier taste!