does celery seed add flavor

Celery seed may never be the star of the show, but this spice is mightier than you think. No wonder it’s an essential ingredient in Old Bay seasoning and Bloody Mary cocktails.

If you’re cruising the spice aisle, you’ll almost certainly see celery seed wedged between caraway and cinnamon. Or, if you’re somewhere that takes its celery seasonings very seriously, you’ll find it between the celery flakes and celery salt.

What exactly is celery seed and how does it differ from the flakes and the salt? Is it an important spice to keep on hand, and if so, how do you use celery seed?

Usage: Like celery, celery seed provides a great undertone to everything rom potato salad to soups, stews, and seafood dishes

Celery seeds add flavor and depth to simple dishes, such as soups, salads, and stews.

Whole Celery Seeds vs. Ground Celery Seed

As you might expect, ground celery seed is the powder derived from grinding up whole celery seeds. Use whole seeds in pickle brine or spice rubs, where you’re seeking texture. But be wary that the seeds are quite small, so they could appear sandy or gritty. Using them in combination with another small, whole spice can help. Or, simply reach for ground celery seed, which will impart only flavor, whether you’re adding it into a Bloody Mary or to potato salad.

While you can find ground celery seed in the supermarket, if possible, it’s always best to grind or crush whole spices just before cooking. Buy whole and grind as needed, and your celery powder will have a much stronger impact.

What Is Celery Seed?

Celery seed is a spice made from the seeds of wild celery, which grows in marshy conditions and has a stronger flavor than the conventional celery found in the supermarket. The seeds are small, brown in color, and herbal in taste, much like the celery you throw into mirepoix or stack next to chicken wings and a side of blue cheese dip.

You’ll find celery seed in everything from potato salad and seafood dishes to stews, barbecue sauces, and vinaigrettes. It also happens to be one of the ingredients in Old Bay seasoning. No, celery seed may never be the star of the show, but like a good character actor, it’s a key player. You know it when you see (or taste it), and it adds an indisputable je ne sais quoi to all manner of dishes.

Top 5 Benefits Of Celery Seeds

FAQ

Does celery seed give celery flavor?

What does celery seed do in a recipe?

Can I use celery seed instead of fresh celery?

What is the benefit of celery seed?

What does celery seed taste like?

In addition, the seeds have a savory, earthy character as well as a bitter flavor which increases when the spice is used in its ground form as opposed to whole. An excess amount of celery seed can, because of its astringency (think mustard or onion), impart a sensation similar to hotness.

What vegetables go well with celery?

Celery is a vegetable with several therapeutic properties and can be used in salads, soups or even eaten on its own. It can be prepared alone or accompanied by onions, nettles, parsley or cabbage.

Do celery seeds taste better than ground seeds?

Whole celery seeds have a stronger flavor than ground seeds. Ground seeds and celery powder also have a more bitter taste than the whole seeds. You can flavor varieties of dishes or turn them into celery salt by grinding celery seeds mixed with iodized salt in an electric grinder.

Are celery seeds good for cooking?

They are more often used for recipes such as soups, curries, and sauces because they are easier to mix in liquids. You can find whole celery seeds or ground celery seeds in the market but we recommend you buy whole celery seeds instead and just grind them at home.