Description Celery is an umbelliferous, aromatic,
herbaceous plant grown for its leaves, seeds,
oleoresin and essential oil. Celery plant
is usually 30-60 cm high, erect with conspicuously
jointed stems, bearing well-developed leaves
on long expanded petioles. The rigid fruit
is small, ovoid, 1 to 1.5mm long, 1 to 2mm
in diameter, contains a small brown seed.
Origin
and Distribution The native
habitat of celery extends from Sweden to
Egypt, Algeria and Ethiopia and in Asia,
India and China. It is an annual in the
planes, whereas, biennial in cold climate
and on hills.
Uses The dried ripped fruits (celery fruit)
are used as spice. Leaves and stalks are
used as salads and in soups. It is also
widely used in meat seasonings, in flavouring
beverages, confectionaries, ice creams and
baked goods. It is figured as a natural
medicine in different cultures. In modern
medicine, it is used as a stimulant and
for treating Asthma and liver diseases.
