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Celery doesn't stop at the stalk—its leaves, root, oil, and seeds are used for purposes as diverse as cooking, perfumes, medicine, and strangely, aphrodisiacs. Not limited to crudite-munching dieters, celery is an important ingredient in classic flavor bases like the French mirepoix (celery, onion, and carrot) and it's a key ingredient in the American chicken soup.

Celery has a long history; it was found decorating the tomb of Egyptian pharaoh Tutankhamen and fed the horses of Troy. It arrived late to England, however, since its original incarnation was too bitter for local tastes. It wasn't until it was bred sweeter that the vegetable became accepted there.

When buying celery, look for crisp, fresh produce without discoloration or signs of wilting. Along with the recipes here, munch on raw celery with cream cheese or peanut butter as a snack, throw it into salads, or arrange it on vegetable platters.

Recipes

• Octopus and Celery
• Celery Julep
• Braised Celery Hearts
• Bloody Marys

Do you have any celery recipes to share?