Celeriac

This food is very low in Saturated Fat and Cholesterol. It is also a good source of Dietary Fiber [2g], Vitamin B6, Magnesium, Potassium and Manganese, and a very good source of Vitamin C and Phosphorus. A typical serve contains 42 calories, 3% carbs, 1g Protein, Vit. A, C, Calcium and Iron. Wow!!

Celeriac resembles celery in the leaves, and the smell, but there the semblance ends. The leaves could probably be used in soups and removed before eating the soup, but it is the roots,, the knobs, that are used, that have formed beneath the surface.

At its best, celeriac measures from 3-4 inches across, and 3 inches long. The interior is smooth and white, similar to kohlrabi or turnip root. The celery-like leaves and stalks are hollow and not very palatable. The ‘ugly little ball of roots’ [some call it the vegetable octopus!] is probably why it is not regularly used. One reference said it wasn’t a ‘great vegetable, but quite a good one.’ I disagree, I think it is a GREAT vegetable. The 'ugly little ball of roots' are peeled before cutting into chunks for cooking.

Celeriac (like celery) is another from that wonderful family of useful root crops, the Umbellifrae, that also includes carrots, parsley (including rooted parsley), parsnip, fennel, dill, coriander, and some other less-common herbs. Umbellifrae are easily recognized by their characteristic lacy top growth.

History

The early history of celriac is the history of celery. Native to the Mediterranean region. It was only in 1543 that one finds a distinction being made between celery and celery root, or celeriac.

Like celery, celeriac is a cool-season crop that should be propagated in Early Spring, for planting out in Mid summer, for harvesting in Mid Autumn. They should be cultivated and cared for in much the same fashion as celery. Seed should be planted shallowly (5cm or 1/8 - 1/4 inch) and protected from the sun with a shade cover.

A good rule of thumb in planting seed: sew double the height of the seed in the soil, thus if you have very very little seeds, like carrot seeds, sprinkle them on the soil, and add a sprinkling of soil/sand mix on top. For big seeds like broad beans, [approx. 20mm in height] plant them approx. 40mm in depth.

Celeriac should last 3-4 months when stored in a cool spot, or in the crisper in plastic bags to keep them in moist conditions.

TYPES:

• Prinz: Small to medium flattened round, smooth, good shape, shorter foliage than some
• Diamant: Nice and clean, white, medium size; smooth, flattened, round, irregular.
• Ibis: Neat round ball, very uniform, fairly small; smooth, round and regular.
• Kojak: Flattened ball shape, clean and white, very smooth; round, irregular.

Seed should be started in jiffy pots indoor because the seed is tiny and hard to handle outdoors, the soil needs to be kept continually moist, and warm. The germination period is quite long (three to four weeks from sowing to full emergence), and the required growing period is very long--six to seven months. Transplant from indoors to outdoors after 3 months, leaving 10cm [4”] between plants. Another three-plus months outdoors (typically 100 days) before harvesting. Keep weed free and mulch heavily.

The Bed

Celeriac is a heavy feeder, and so grows best in soil that has been generously given plenty of compost or well composted manure. Soil with good drainage is wanted, preferably a sandy or clay loam. Some sources suggest a low pH, around 6.0, but the plants will probably do well anywhere in the usual 6.5 to 6.8 garden-soil range. Celeriac loves wet soil. You cannot water it too much, and a thick layer of mulch will help tremendously in keeping the soil suitably moist. Inadequate or irregular watering can lead to hollow roots or bolting.

Side dressing periodically during the growing season with an organic fertilizer high in nitrogen is also helpful. Don't overdo the nitrogen, though, because that will encourage leaf, rather than root, growth.