Introduction to Celery

Celery: Celery: Small, Crunchy, and Rich in Nutrients!

Celery is an important vegetable crop and has high potential export value. Apart from its role as a vegetable, celery is very popular as a kitchen spice which is in great demand by people in Indonesia and in various countries such as Europe, America and Asia. This plant also has various benefits in the medicine and cosmetics industry, because its leaves are rich in important compounds such as saponins, flavonoids and polyphenols. In the health sector, celery is often used to help treat high blood pressure, improve the clarity of cloudy urine (chyluria), prevent colds, and relieve nausea.

Seledri

How to Plant Celery

From Land Preparation to Abundant Harvest

Land Management

Celery grows optimally in fertile, loose soil, containing organic matter, and has good drainage with a pH of 5.5-6.8. Tillage is done by hoeing to a depth of 20-30 cm, then leaving it for 15 days.

Sowing seeds

Celery is propagated through seeds (generative) or seedlings (vegetative). Prepare the bed for sowing, add manure, and level the soil for good water distribution. Sprinkle the seeds evenly, then cover with a mixture of soil, manure and sawdust (1:1:1).

Planting

Select seeds that have 3-4 strands, the roots are soaked in Benlate or Derosol pesticide solution (50%) for 15 minutes before being transferred to the bed. Plant one seed per hole, compact the soil around the stem and water until moist.

Routine Maintenance

Weeding: Do weeding and loosening in the 2nd and 4th weeks after planting. Adjust the frequency according to weed conditions. Watering: At the beginning of growth, watering is done 1-2 times a day, then reduced to 2-3 times per week depending on the weather. Make sure the soil is not dry or waterlogged.

Harvest Techniques

Celery can be harvested 40-150 days after planting depending on the variety. Celery leaves are harvested periodically every 4-8 days by cutting the stems. For tuber celery, harvesting is done by picking the leaves periodically until productivity decreases.

Binomial name

Apium graveolus L.

Scientific Classification

Kingdom

Plantae

Kled

Tracheophyta

Clad

Angiosperms

Clad

Eudicot

Ordo

Apiales

Family

Apiaceae

Genus

Apium

Spesies

A. graveolens

Origins of Celery

Versatile Vegetables from the Mediterranean that Refresh World Cuisine

Celery plants originally came from subtropical areas in Europe and Asia, especially areas around the Mediterranean. This vegetable has been popular in many countries and is believed to have been known more than 1,000 years ago, with its origins as a wild plant in the plains of Asia.
Over time, celery has become one of the most widely used vegetables in the world. In Indonesia, celery is well known and often used in various dishes. Celery is grown primarily for its thick, fleshy, water-rich leaf stalks, which are usually eaten raw as a side dish. The leaves are also widely used in making soup.

Celery Commodity Production Centers in Indonesia

Lembang

Cianjur

Yogyakarta

North Sumatra

Sparkle
Petir

Interesting Facts

In some European and Asian cultures, celery is believed to have a calming and restorative effect on the body after a hangover, making it a popular natural ingredient to relieve the side effects of excessive alcohol consumption. Celery contains many vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin B1, potassium and iron.

Celery Nutritional Content

Per (100 gram)
Water

93 gr

Protein

1 gr

Fat

0,1 gr

Carbohydrate

4,6 gr

Fiber

2 gr

Calcium

50 mg

Phosphorus

40 mg

Sodium

64 mg

Potassium

258,8 mg

Iron

1 mg

Copper

0,08 mg

Zinc

0,4 mg

Vitamin A

63 µg

Vitamin B1

0,03 mg

Vitamin B2

0,07 mg

Vitamin B3

0,4 mg

Vitamin C

11 mg

Key Health Benefits

Lowers Blood Pressure

The phytochemical content in celery, especially phthalides, helps relax artery walls so that blood flows more smoothly. Celery is also rich in fiber, which supports stable blood pressure.

Controlling Blood Sugar Levels

The ethyl acetate extract in celery leaves has been shown to lower blood glucose levels, with some studies showing a reduction of up to 20%. Eating celery with cucumber can also help stabilize blood sugar because both have a low glycemic index.

Lowers Cholesterol

Celery leaves contain the compound 3-n-butylphthalide which is effective in reducing bad cholesterol. This compound helps control blood fat levels, and consuming celery juice with carrots can reduce the characteristic aroma of celery.

Prevent Cancer

Celery has powerful antioxidants, including apigenin and luteolin, which can fight cancer-causing free radicals. Apigenin functions to destroy free radicals, while luteolin plays a role in anticancer effects.

Supports Digestive Health

The soluble and insoluble fiber in celery, as well as its high water content, are beneficial for gut health. Celery can increase satiety, aid weight loss, and prevent constipation by cleansing the intestines.

Celery Varieties

Celery Varieties that You Must Know

Sylvester Cutting Celery

The Sylvester cutting celery is a superior type of celery known for its dense foliage, short stems, and vibrant green color. This variety has a stronger aroma compared to other types of celery, making it ideal as a flavorful addition to various dishes. The Sylvester variety grows upright with leaves that are easy to cut, which is why it’s often called "cutting celery." It’s also resistant to leaf diseases and grows quickly, making it a popular choice among farmers and home gardeners alike.

Leaf Celery (Secalium Variety)

Leaf celery (Secalium variety) is a type of celery known for its dense, aromatic leaves. This plant has dark green leaves with shorter stalks compared to stalk celery. The leaves of Secalium celery are frequently used as a seasoning in many dishes, especially due to their fresh and robust aroma.

Sparkle
Petir

Interesting Facts

Batu City in East Java is an area that is famous for producing high quality celery leaves.

Economic and Market Potential

Celery as an Export Commodity with Great Potential

Celery plants have promising opportunities in both domestic and international markets as an export commodity, with relatively high and stable prices. As the population increases every year, the demand for vegetables also increases. The need for fresh celery in Indonesia is still not met. In addition, celery is an additive in various dishes, so even though it is used in small quantities, its role is still important in several typical Indonesian dishes.

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