Topic: Celeriac info for Wardy (and others)

[Mrs Ava]

On my plot visit this evening I noticed that my celeriac (Alabaster) has now started to bulb up at the base, and I reakon I will be able to start using them in a few weeks as the summer crops come to an end! I leave mine in all winter and they come to no harm, so have some yummy roots to use!

[Jesse]

Glad you mentioned celeriac EJ, noticed mine is also starting to bulb up and wasn't sure when it's ready to start using. Judging by what's sticking out the top of the soil, they're probably about tennis ball size at the moment. Are they better used smaller or does it not make a difference? :)

[undercarriage plan]

I grew celeriac last season, over wintered it like EJ, was fine. Was also told by person who gave me plants, to remove old, lower leaves as new ones emerged from the centre. Not sure why! But didn't do any harm!! Whether it helped or not, not sure! Lottie

[Svea]

i think that is just to keep the area around the plants tidy, lottie - to discourage pests like snails hiding there.
i remove a lot of dead foliage from around cabbages and that as well - because that is where the buggers are usually hiding out!

[undercarriage plan]

Sounds right Svea! Think I'm lucky, have toads on site, seem to deal with slugs, founf one in greenhouse too, only ickle one but from small acorns, big toads grow! Not done celeriac  this year, wish I had now and not bothered with purple cabbage!! Lottie  ::)

[Derekthefox]

I have planted celeriac again, having really enjoyed it last year. Like others, I just leave it in the ground until it is required. I have not noticed any slug interference before, so presumed slugs not interested. Not checked on its current status, mainly because it is masked by the weeds !

Also I have too many other crops to worry about harvesting . . .

Derekthefox :D

[Mrs Ava]

Jessevieve, I start using them as I need them, so from golf ball onwards.  This spring, when I was down to the last few, they did start to go a little fibrous inside, but careful preperation was all that was needed!  Tennis ball is a great size, and they are fab in soups and stews, such a subtle flavour and great texture!  A real hit!

[tricia]

I only had room for 8 plants in my mini veggie plot, but they are growing really well. I use the leaves to add flavour to stocks, sauces and stews.

I learned about celeriac when I lived in Germany where they also make a beautiful salad with cooked diced celeriac and raw apple. And celeriac mashed with potatoes and carrots...........yum!

Tricia

[tim]

Luckily, for the first time ever, we have 2 good rows**. So I'm right with Emma on using them as soon as you would like them.

As to storage, if you're worried about leaving them in the ground - if you have any - why not freeze?

** But not all the interplanting worked - too crowded. Looked fine at the seedling stage.

This is now - & earlier.

[blight]

I learned about celeriac when I lived in Germany where they also make a beautiful salad with cooked diced celeriac and raw apple.

also grated fine and used raw in a salad on its own .
add vinaigrette  quickly to prevent discolouring. in germany we can´t leave celeriac
in the open during winter. it usually gets too cold. i put mine in a clamp together with potatoes and carrots.

[Debs]

Dug one of my celeriac last week to see how big they were.

They had not started to bulb up - perhaps because I'm on the

north east ( chillier ) coast??

Debs

[adrianhumph]

Hi all,  :D,
              There was lots of discussion earlier in the year here about celariacs, so how have they done  ???
  Here is a pic of the first one I pulled yesterday, it weighed about  800gms after trimming, & tasted great  ;D  good news is I`ve got another 16 just like this one  8)
The variety is called brilliant , seeds from Dobies.
                                                                             Adrian.

[Derekthefox]

Well I live in Coventry Debs, in the Midlands, and mine are no bigger than small tomatoes. I hope they get their act together soon !

Derekthefox :D

[tim]

Brilliant, Adrian!

Nothing that a good swivel peeler can't tackle, wardy?
But yes, messy sink!

[Debs]

Adrianhumph,

WOW :o

They look fab.

What type are they?

Hope mine get a growth spurt ;D
Debs

[Debs]

So they are brilliant eh ;)

Shall be getting myself to Dobies to buy some...

Debs 8)

(If I took the shades off I might have seen the name!!!)

[tim]

Disappointing after a very hopeful start.

The squares are 20mm. (I'll do focus one day!!)

[Svea]

mine's bigger than yours, tim  :P
(never thought i'd say this to a bloke)

i am finding, with my own potatoes now having run out, that you can use celeriac, swede and even parsnips as excellent pot substitutes. not for everything, but for most uses. especially for the carb part of a meal - who needs more than one rot veg? :)

svea (learning alternative cooking/eating habits)

[tim]

And all mashed coarsly together, as we had today. With a leek & parsley. Lovely veg stock left over for soup!

And, as from today - NO added salt! For every gram of salt I have to eat a banana to balance it!!

[dingerbell]

I always pop a little Celeriac foliage into soups and stews....adds a gentle Celery tatse. Also chop leaves finely and together with chopped Parsley, add to mashed taters....Yum Yum