How did something that originated as medicine, then moved on to become livestock feed, become such a staple in our everyday lives? Celery, as well as its close cousin, celeriac (celery root) brings flavor and nutrients to our cooking, along with versatility few foods can rival.

In ancient times, wild celery was known to have been used for medicinal purposes. Colds, digestive problems and the common flu were treated with various forms of celery since it was believed to have healing qualities. In the 17th century, the French and Italians are credited with domesticating wild celery for use as a vegetable. This idea took off, making celery one of the most popular and widely used vegetables.

Celeriac, a hard root vegetable derived from the same wild celery plant that stalk celery is from is well known and commonly eaten in European countries, though in North America, it is just beginning to catch on. Like stalk celery, celeriac is extremely versatile-perhaps even more so. You can boil it, mash it, use it in soups, grill it, and shred it to make a slaw out of it. Celeriac can be used in many of the ways you would use a potato, but it is less starchy and the flavor is stronger than that of a potato, making it ideal to add to potato recipes. Try layering celeriac slices with potato slices the next time you make scalloped potatoes!

Growing celery has its challenges. It demands an even growing temperature, plenty of water and it has a particularly long growing season-up to 150 days for some varieties. Most stalk celery as we know it, is blanched, meaning the bottom of the celery plant is buried in dirt or otherwise shielded from the sun for the last few weeks before harvest. That is what gives the celery the white ends, taking the edge off of the strong flavor celery can have.

Celery seed is also a popular spice in many kitchens. It is often a key ingredient in some soup stocks and it makes a nice addition to sauces and dressings. By allowing a celery plant to flower, seeds can then be harvested to add to your spice rack.

With the emergence of eastern medicine in the western world, the health benefits of celery are getting more attention again. Its high fiber, nutrient rich, but low-calorie reputation has made it a real winner in our kitchens and in our bodies. So the next meal you cook, consider throwing a bit of celery in it for good measure. Your body and your stomach will thank you.