Celery Seed

Celery, an ancient vegetable with a unique bitter-sweet flavor, has been used in cooking for centuries. From high-end restaurants to home-cooked meals, this nutritious veggie can be found around the globe. But how does it get from the seed that grower works hard to cultivate, to the dinner plate that you and your family will eventually enjoy? Let’s take an in-depth look at the journey a single celery seed takes from seedling to dinner plate.

The first step in this process is Celery seed production: what goes into producing a celery seed that is capable of growing into a fully mature plant? Celery seeds are usually produced through hybridization – a patented process of combining two different plants in order to create offspring with desired traits – although modern techniques do not always require this same process. Once the desired hybrid line has been created, then the parent plants are self-pollinated to produce genetically identical seeds. Upon successful completion of this step, the planting of the seeds can begin.

Once the seed is planted, it may take a full week before the seedling emerges. As the seed sprouts, it requires water, oxygen, light and soil nutrients. The soil must be packed tightly enough to support the seed’s growth, while still allowing roots to penetrate and tap into the soil nutrient supply. Along with the right nutrients, a steady supply of water and light is also key. If these things are all in balance, the celery seed will grow rapidly, developing its tiny shoots and leaves over the course of several weeks.

By the time the seedling is ready to be transplanted, it should have developed three sets of its beloved triangular shaped leaves. Growing a single plant from seed is a lengthy process, but when done correctly it should result in a beautiful, healthy plant. The seedling is now ready to take up permanent residence in its new home, whether that home be a garden, greenhouse, or field.

For most outdoor celery plants, this next stage of growth is best done in the spring when the weather is most cooperative. Once the seedling has taken up residence, the grower must ensure the soil temperature and pH level is within the appropriate parameters for Celery growth. The soil must also maintain a consistent moisture level while avoiding salt or nutrient deficiencies. As the seedling continues to grow, it must also be defended from pests and diseases. A careful hand, frequent misting and diligent weed pulling should help ensure a successful season.

Although the time it takes for a Celery plant to reach maturity is subjective, depending on the exact climate and growing conditions, maturity typically ranges from 65 to over 100 days. At this point, the grower must be vigilant with irrigation and harvesting. If the harvest season stretches into the fall and first frost, then the plants need extra TLC to battle off chilly temperatures.

Upon harvesting, the produce must be handled with care so as not to damage anything in the process. Celery roots must be lightly removed and the stalks must not be too heavily bruised. After the harvest, the produce must be inspected for quality assurance before being sorted and sent off to the packaging facility. At the packaging facility, the Celery is washed before each stalk is cut into the traditional sizes, such as sticks or hearts. Depending on the packaging, the Celery is then distributed directly to supermarkets or processed and included among the ingredients found in many prepared foods. Now all that remains between the Celery seed and the dinner plate is the proper storage, handling and cooking.

When stored correctly, Celery can remain fresh for several days, even if cut. For optimal storage conditions, most vegetables, including Celery, should be kept in a cool, dry place. When cooked, it is relatively easy to prepare, especially if you’re looking for a simple side dish or mix-in for a soup, stew or stir fry. From the seed’s creation, to the moment it seals its fate in the form of finely chopped Celery atop a creamy potato salad, our Celery seed has certainly come a long way.