Versatile celery plentiful

Press, 18 February 1983, Page 2

Versatile celery plentiful

Celery has always been a popular vegetable for the figure-conscious — apparently more calories are used in eating celery than what are gained, from it. The ancient Romans considered celery a powerful aphrodisiac, hence the derivation from the Latin celer, celeris, meaning "quickly.” As a result.. the vegetable was very popular,, but, as with most legendary aphrodisiacs. there was no truth in the belief.

■ The Romans also believed that celery gave a special and desirable flavour to poultry flesh, and so many people fed it to their birds. The cultivated celery as we know it is a relatively new crop, developed by the French and the Italians, probably in the sixteenth century. The Romans used a smaller and much stringier version.

It is reputed to cure flatulence. to be a stimulant, a tonic, useful in hysteria, and in promoting restfulness and sleep.' It is a good source of iron, some proteins, and vitamins B and C. Celery can be eaten raw, in salads, soups, casseroles, Chinese dishes, as hors d’oevres with a dip. or perhaps as a cocktail stick. The outer stalks and leaves, so often discarded, will' add flavour to souffles and other egg dishes, cheese dishes, and casseroles. Poach it in butter and serve with a cheese or parsley sauce, or fill it with peanut butter or cottage cheese as a light snack — the versatility of this vegetable is unending.

Celery is plentiful at the Christchurch ‘ market this week: most of it grown locally and selling at $1 to $6.50 a case. ■; Most vegetables are in good supply at the moment, with the exception of cauliflowers and pumpkins. Good-qualitv onions sold for $2.80 to $4.50 a bag, and red onions for $3 for a halfcase.

New potatoes, local and from the North Island, went for $3.80 to $6 a bag and kumara sold for $36 a carton.

Green vegetables are plentiful, with silver beet at $4 to $6 a case, drumhead cabbages at $4 to $6 a bag, green beans at $7 to $l4 for half a case and runner beans at $7 to $9 a case.

> Leeks are just beginning their season, and cucumbers are selling for $4 to $6 for shorts, and $2 to $2.50 for telegraphs. There is a full supply of carrots sold for $3 to ss' a bag. and parsnips cost to $6 a bag. Bean sprouts are becoming more popular, at $3 a kilo-

gram, and the price of green capsicums was now down to $2 to $2.50 a kilogram. Stone-fruit is still plentiful. Apricots sold for $7.50 to $l2 for a half-case, and bottling peaches at $6 to $8 a case. Bottling plums, including shiros and greengages are plentiful, and nectarines cost $l3 a case.

Berrj’fruit. too. is plentiful, especially raspberries and strawberries, which cost up to $17.20 a tray. Blackberries are nearing the end of their season and there were loganberries available earlier in the week at $8 to $9 a tray.

A fresh shipment of Californian citrus fruit is due on Monday, and should be in the shops later next week. This week’s recipe CELERY, PEKING STYLE 250 g tender celery 2 tbsp soy sauce Dash of chicken stock powder 2 tbjsp sesame oil. Method: Finely cut the celery stalks like matchsticks. Cover with boiling water, bring to the boil and cook one minute. Drain. Combine the other ingredients, add to the celery and toss well. Serve immediately as a hot vegetable or allow to cool, refrigerate and serve as a salad. Sesame oil is available from most Chinese shops and healthfood shops. A dash of tabasco sauce or chilli sauce can be added for a spicier flavour. Note that salt is not usually necessary as some soy sauces are themselves very salty. Serves two to four.