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LOOK FOR > Good quality celery should have straight stalks with rigid ribs, which should snap when bent. Inside surfaces should be clean and smooth. Leaves should be fresh, green and show no signs of wilting.
CARE & HANDLING > Ideal Storage Temperature: 34° -36°F. 90-95% relative humidity. Because celery will wilt quickly, do not store uncovered. For best quality, sprinkle lightly and wrap in plastic before refrigerating. Keep refrigerated until ready to use.
NUTRITIONAL INFO > Serving size 4.25 oz. (2 large stalks), Calories 20, Protein 1 g, Carbohydrate 4 g, Dietary Fiber 2.43 g, Fat 0 g, Cholesterol 0 mg, Sodium 140 mg, Potassium 360 mg
DO YOU KNOW...
• In the 19th century celery was reserved for special occasions, and was served in "Celery Vases".
• Using a celery stick to garnish a Bloody Mary originated in the 1960s at Chicago's Ambassador East Hotel. An unnamed celebrity got a Bloody Mary, but no swizzle stick. He grabbed a stalk of celery from the relish tray to stir his Bloody Mary and history was made.
• Don't throw away celery that has been in your refrigerator a little too long and gone limp. Revive the stalks (or extend the shelf-life of fresh celery) by shaving a small amount off from the butt-end, soaking in luke-warm water (1/2 hr. or more), and refrigerating.
• Originally a bitter, wild marsh plant ranging from Sweden south throughout Europe, celery was used over centuries for medicinal purposes "to purify the blood."
• The winner of an athletic event in ancient Greece was given a bunch of celery, much like flowers are given today.
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