Celery and Fennel New this Week

Very soon we will bid a sad farewell to beets, kale and romaine - all of which will make a return in the fall. But, we happily say hello to fennel and celery.

Celery is said to detoxify the body and lower blood pressure. Everyone knows about snacking on celery, either by itself or with some cheese, dip or peanut butter. Also added to potato salads. But, did you know that it is also delicious cooked? Check out the Braised Celery and Italian Celery Soup Recipes on this site. I have made both in the past and they are nice recipes. Make sure to store your celery in a plastic bag in the crisper drawer in your fridge or it will wilt quickly.

Fennel is high in vitamins C and B6, contains phytonutrients, plus has some chloresterol lowering properties. Fennel is eaten both raw and cooked - I prefer cooked fennel, or when used in a salad with other ingredients, but my Italian relatives always had it on the table during big holiday meals - they say raw fennel helps aid in digestion. This site has several fennel recipes. Try the Roasted Fennel and White Bean Dip, Lentil Salad with Fennel and Herbs, Fennel, Radicchio and Proscuitto Salad - actually, there are A LOT of yummy recipes on this site so try them!