Is Celery a Fruit or a Vegetable?
Celery is one of the more confusing foods when determining if it is a fruit or a vegetable. Its close association with both means that it could appear either way.
Biology Classification
Celery is a type of plant cultivated for its leaf stalks that have the structure of a taproot. That makes it a vegetable, as this type of root is found in carrots, parsnips, turnips and other similar plants.
Nutritional Value
Usually, the key in determining if something is a fruit or vegetable is what we do with it. Fruits are usually sweeter and used in desserts and other sweet dishes, while vegetables are the opposite. Celery, however, is generally used in savory dishes and dishes with other vegetables. It does have a low sugar content, but is mostly a watery vegetable used for flavor, crunch and a few vitamins and minerals.
Uses of Celery
Celery can be used in a variety of applications and dishes. Here are some of its uses:
- Soups: Celery can be diced and added to soups for extra flavor and texture.
- Salads: Celery can be used as a crunchy topping or chopped up and added to salads.
- Stews: Celery stalks can be added to stews to bring out the flavor.
- Juice: Celery juice can be blended and consumed, either alone or with other fruits and vegetables.
So to answer the question, is celery a fruit or vegetable? The answer is that it is a vegetable, as it is classified botanically as a taproot and it is usually used in savory dishes. However, its low sugar content, crunchy texture and versatility in the kitchen make it a valuable addition to any plate.
