Celery powder is a handy ingredient to keep stocked in your pantry.
This versatile seasoning can boost the flavor in dishes ranging from soups and salads to meats and dressings.
What is Celery Powder?
Celery powder is made from dehydrated celery that has been ground into a fine powder. It can be made from various parts of celery, including the stalks, leaves or even celery juice. The powder delivers an intense, concentrated celery flavor that makes it a potent seasoning.
Celery powder is valued for its savory, herbaceous taste and aroma. It has an earthy flavor profile reminiscent of the fresh vegetable. Using just a pinch can impart the essence of celery into dishes without the added bulk or texture of celery pieces.
In addition to its flavor, celery powder offers some health bonuses too. It provides dietary fiber, antioxidants like vitamin C, and beneficial plant compounds. Celery powder also contains nitrates that act as natural preservatives, inhibiting bacteria growth.
How to Make Celery Powder at Home
Making your own celery powder at home is simple. All you need is a food dehydrator or oven and a spice grinder or blender. Here is an easy DIY method:
Ingredients:
- Celery stalks, leaves and other pieces (avoid any brown or damaged parts)
Directions:
- Wash celery pieces thoroughly and dry well. Chop stalks into small pieces if desired to reduce drying time.
- Arrange pieces in a single layer on dehydrator trays. Dehydrate at 115°F until completely dried and brittle, 6-12 hours.
- Alternatively, bake pieces on low temperature in the oven, around 200°F, for 1-2 hours. Check frequently to avoid burning.
- Grind the dried celery into a fine powder using a spice grinder, blender or food processor. Work in batches if needed.
- Store celery powder in an airtight container in a cool, dark place. Keeps for several months.
Key Takeaway: Dehydrating fresh celery into a fine powder concentrates its flavor into a versatile seasoning for cooking.
Creative Uses for Celery Powder in Cooking
Celery powder is a handy staple that every home cook should keep stocked. Its potent taste enhance soups, meats, marinades and more. Here are some delicious ways to use it:
Season Rich Dishes
A little celery powder goes a long way to impart flavor. It deliciously seasons full-flavored foods like:
- Soups and stews: Celery powder makes an excellent addition to hearty bean or vegetable soups. It's especially tasty in split pea or potato soup.
- Gravies and sauces: Mix in celery powder when preparing pan sauces, gravies or savory pasta sauce. It enhances meaty Bolognese sauce beautifully.
- Casseroles and bakes: Sprinkle celery powder over ingredients when making comforting casseroles, egg bakes or stuffings. It boosts flavor perfectly.
- Mashed potatoes: Blend celery powder into mashed potatoes or potato salad for a flavor boost. A classic combo!
- Macaroni and cheese: Stir some celery powder into cheesy pasta bakes right before serving. It adds nice contrast.
- Chili or meaty stews: Add depth of flavor to hearty bean or meat-based stews with a dash of celery powder.
Marinate and Season Meats
The savory flavor of celery powder makes it an excellent addition to meat rubs and marinades. Try mixing it into:
- Poultry rubs: Blend celery powder into spice rubs and herb blends for chicken or turkey. It pairs deliciously with paprika, garlic and onion.
- Pork seasoning: Complement the flavor of pork by including celery powder in dry rubs or brines. It goes nicely with cumin, sage and mustard.
- Beef marinades: Work celery powder into wet marinades, pastes or dry spice mixes for steaks. It adds an extra layer of flavor.
- Fish fillets and seafood: Lightly coat fish fillets with olive oil and celery powder before cooking. Sprinkle it onto shrimp or scallops too.
Boost Flavor of Lighter Dishes
While celery powder excels at seasoning rich, savory dishes, it can also enhance lighter foods. Add it to:
- Salad dressings: Whisk celery powder into oil and vinegar-based dressings. It's particularly nice in green goddess or ranch dressing.
- Green salads: Instead of chopping fresh celery, just sprinkle celery powder onto mixed greens for a flavor punch. Start with 1⁄4 teaspoon per serving.
- Coleslaws and slaws: Blend celery powder into mayo-based coleslaw recipes for extra flavor without unwanted salad bulk.
- Hummus: Stir a pinch of celery powder into the chickpea spread for a tasty twist. Works nicely with garlic hummus.
- Sandwich spreads: Mix celery powder into egg, chicken or tuna salads for sandwiches. Also tasty in pimento cheese spread.
- Popcorn seasoning: For healthy snacking, toss hot popcorn with a bit of olive oil and celery powder rather than butter.
Key Takeaway: Celery powder offers versatility to season everything from hearty roasts to lighter veggie dishes and snacks. A little goes a long way.
Boost Nutrition in Smoothies
Along with its robust flavor, celery powder provides an easy way to sneak extra nutrition into smoothies. Simply add 1⁄4 to 1⁄2 teaspoon per serving. The mild grassy taste blends smoothly. Celery powder combines tastily with:
- Fruit smoothies: Berry, peach, mango and citrus smoothies
- Green smoothies: Kale, spinach, celery, cucumber, herbs
- Vegetable smoothies: Carrot, beet, tomato
- Nut milk smoothies: Almond milk, oat milk, coconut milk
- Protein smoothies: Pea protein, hemp protein, Greek yogurt
Preserve and Flavor Fermented Foods
The natural nitrates in celery powder help inhibit bacteria growth. This makes it useful for preserving fermented foods safely. Mix it into:
- Sauerkraut recipes
- Kimchi
- Pickled vegetables
- Fermented hot sauce
- Fermented salsa
The nitrates allow ferments like sauerkraut and kimchi to develop their tangy flavors without spoiling. The celery powder also contributes extra dimension.
Make Nutritious Homemade Broths
When making homemade broth, celery powder offers convenience over chopping whole celery ribs. It also amps up nutrition. Whisk it into:
- Bone broths
- Vegetable broths
- Mushroom broths
- Seafood broths
Simply add celery powder to taste once the broth is done cooking. Start with 1⁄4 to 1⁄2 teaspoon per cup of broth. Then adjust to your liking.
How Does Celery Powder Differ from Celery Salt?
Celery powder and celery salt are two different seasonings to stock in your kitchen arsenal:
Celery powder consists purely of dehydrated celery that has been finely ground. It provides concentrated celery flavor and nutrition.
Celery salt blends dried ground celery pieces or seeds with salt. Some recipes call for celery salt rather than regular salt to add richness. But be mindful of the extra sodium.
While both seasonings contain concentrated celery taste, they serve different purposes. Celery powder acts more as an herb and seasoning. Celery salt is used to salt dishes.
Celery powder also offers more potential health benefits thanks to its vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. Celery salt's sodium content is something to keep in mind if you're watching your intake.
FAQs
Is celery powder good for you?
Yes, celery powder provides antioxidants like vitamin C along with dietary fiber. These nutrients can benefit heart health, blood sugar regulation, digestion and immunity.
What does celery powder taste like?
Celery powder has an intense, concentrated celery flavor. Using just a small amount can impart big celery taste without any texture or moisture.
Where can you buy celery powder?
Celery powder can be found in the spice aisle at well-stocked grocery stores or ordered online. Be sure to store it in an airtight container away from light.
How long does celery powder last?
Properly stored in a cool, dark place, celery powder keeps for 6 to 12 months before losing potency.
Can you substitute celery powder for fresh celery?
Yes, celery powder makes an excellent flavor substitute for chopped celery in cooking. Use about 1⁄4 to 1⁄2 teaspoon powder per stalk called for in a recipe.
What can you use if you don't have celery powder?
As a substitute, try celery salt, celery seed or dried celery flakes in a similar quantity to the celery powder amount.
Conclusion
With its versatility in cooking, intense celery taste and nutritional bonuses, celery powder is a handy staple for every home chef.
This simple homemade seasoning amplifies flavors across the board. Keep some on hand to boost soups, meats, salads and everything between.