Celery (Apium graveolens)
Apium graveolens, celery, belongs to the Apiaceae family. It is native to temperate and sub-tropical climates. Within the Nordic countries, it is only considered a native species in Denmark and Sweden.
Text by Isla Pearson. Photos by Saxifraga-Ed Stikvoort.
Danish: Vild selleri – Finnish: Selleri (mausteselleri)
Icelandic: Sellerí – Norwegian: Selleri – Swedish: Selleri
Merely occasional finds of celery, escapees from cultivation, are reported from Norway and Finland. Celery does not grow in Iceland. Despite the uneven distribution of this plant across the Nordic countries, the wild species is still of interest when considering the development of celery crops for agricultural use.
Celery grows best on acidic moist soil and in mild weather. Consequently, wild celery is often seen growing in moist salt-affected land such as seashore meadows. It can be identified from its characteristic green leafy head and thick stalk. The plant can grow between 0.1-0.5 meters tall and is seen to have light green/white flowers. The life span is approximately two years. The main difference between wild and domesticated species of celery is the taste of the plant – the wild plant tastes more bitter than the cultivated species.
Celery was first cultivated in France as a food source in the 16th century and spread from there to Italy and Northern Europe including the Nordic countries. There are three morphotypes of domesticated celery which have been selectively bred for the benefit of human use. Celery can be classified as both an aromatic vegetable and a seed spice due to its broad range of properties resulting in its use as both a fresh herb (acquired from the leaves) and as a spice (a product of celery seeds). In addition, celeriac is grown as a "root" vegetable.
Globally, celery has different uses. The most common in Europe is as a fresh herb or spice. Both the herb, the spice and celeriac are common household items for cooking. Additionally, the seeds of celery can be used for medical purposes. Historically, celery seeds have been used for medical purposes in Middle Eastern countries as the seeds are understood to have anti-inflammatory and anti-fungal properties. As a result, there is ongoing research looking at the benefits of celery seeds as a potential drug. Studies of interest have shown the positive effects of celery having preventative measures against problems such as cardiovascular diseases and jaundice.
