Celery Heart

Crisp, tender celery hearts are the prized inner stalks of fresh celery, offering a delicate crunch and mild, refreshing flavor that makes them a versatile ingredient in kitchens worldwide. These pale green to white inner stalks are naturally more tender and less fibrous than outer celery stalks, with a subtle, clean taste that carries just a hint of peppery freshness. Celery hearts have been a staple in American, European, and Mediterranean cooking for generations, valued for their ability to add both texture and flavor to countless dishes. The tender texture of celery hearts makes them perfect for both raw and cooked applications. They excel in fresh salads, providing satisfying crunch when chopped into chicken salad, tuna salad, or classic Waldorf salad. Their mild flavor pairs beautifully with creamy dips, peanut butter, or cream cheese for healthy snacking. In cooked dishes, celery hearts form the aromatic base of French mirepoix alongside onions and carrots, and they're essential in soups, stews, and braised dishes where they add depth without overwhelming other flavors. For best results when cooking with celery hearts, add them early in the cooking process to build flavor foundations, or incorporate them near the end to maintain their pleasant crunch. They work wonderfully in stir-fries, casseroles, and stuffing recipes. Try braising celery hearts whole as an elegant side dish, or use them in homemade chicken stock for rich, aromatic broth. Store celery hearts in the refrigerator wrapped in plastic or in a container with water to maintain their crisp texture.