Celery
The naturally salty and sweet flavor of celery makes it the ideal food to add flavor to soups, salads, and stews or to fill with tasty ingredients like peanut butter or cream cheese. Celery also adds a nice crunch to salads of all types but is a popular addition to chicken salad.
How to store
Place in a sealed plastic bag in the refrigerator, where it will keep its crisp crunch for a week or two.
How to prep
Snap off the stalks and rinse under cool, running water.
Don't toss the leafy tops, as those flavor-packed parts perk up a chicken stock or a veggie soup like minestrone.
Chef's tip
Create a quick pickle by placing a cup of 1-inch pieces of cut celery in a bowl and adding 1/3 cup apple cider vinegar, 1/3 cup warm water, and a pinch of sugar.
Marinate for 15 minutes and serve as part of an antipasti plate, with prosciutto, salami, and Fontina cheese.