Celeriac, Celery root, Turnip-rooted celery
Apium graveolens var. rapaceum
Family: Apiaceae
What it is like
A plant that normally takes 2 years to complete its life-cycle. It grows about 1 m tall. The bases of the stem are swollen. They are like a turnip. The leaf stalks are slender.
There are about 20 Apium species.
Where it is found
They are sensitive to frosts. It suits plant hardiness zones 5-10.
Countries/locations it is found in
Africa, Australia, Balkans, Canada, East Africa, Egypt, Europe, Hawaii, India, Macedonia, Mediterranean, Middle East, Netherlands, North Africa, North America, Pacific, South Africa, Southern Africa, Switzerland, Syria, Tasmania, USA
How it is used for food
It can be eaten raw or grated in salads, used as a flavouring in soups and stews or cooked as a vegetable. Leaves can be used as flavouring.
It is a commercially cultivated vegetable.
Edible parts
Root, vegetable, leaves
How it is grown
Seeds are slow to germinate. Plants should be 25 cm apart. Side shoots are removed as they appear. The bulbs are harvested when 7.5-10 cm across.
It takes 4 months until harvest. Roots can be stored in sand for eating in winter.