Cutting Celery Gewone Snij is a classic and versatile culinary herb that has been appreciated for generations for its strong, fresh aroma. This aromatic celery belongs to the same plant family as parsley and chervil, but has a distinctive, herbaceous flavour that is more intense than that of stalk celery. Thanks to its rich aroma and full flavour, it is an indispensable ingredient in both traditional and modern cuisine. The leaves are used most often, although the young, finely chopped stalks are also excellent to eat. Its fresh, herbaceous flavour is perfect in salads, herb butter, dressings and sauces. Cutting celery is also an essential seasoning for vegetable, chicken and tomato soups, broths and stews. It adds a delicious fresh note to potato dishes, egg dishes, pasta, rice dishes and oven-baked meals. It also pairs beautifully with meat, poultry and fish. Sprinkle the finely chopped leaves over grilled or fried dishes just before serving to preserve their full aroma. Its rich flavour is equally well suited to herb blends, pestos and herb dips.
Because the plant continuously produces new shoots, leaves can be harvested regularly without reducing its vigour. The young leaves have the finest flavour and can be used fresh or finely chopped. Cutting celery also freezes exceptionally well, allowing its flavour and aroma to be enjoyed long after the growing season. In addition to its culinary value, cutting celery is a nutritious herb rich in vitamin C and various minerals. In traditional herbal medicine, celery has long been valued for its blood-purifying properties. With its intense aroma, high nutritional value and exceptional versatility, cutting Celery Gewone Snij is an indispensable herb for anyone who enjoys cooking with fresh herbs. It adds a fresh, distinctive flavour to both simple everyday meals and refined culinary dishes. Non hardy annual.
Soaking: 24 hours
Outdoor sowing: March - July
Germination: 3 - 4 weeks
Germination temp.: 18 - 20 °C
Sowing depth: Shallow - ½ cm
Plant distance: 20 cm
Distance between the rows: 15 cm
Plant position: sunny - half shade
Soiltype: loose, nutrient-rich, moisture-retentive soil with good drainage
Harvest period: July - October
Soak the seeds in lukewarm water for 24 hours before sowing to encourage germination. Sow directly outdoors from March through July in a sunny to lightly shaded location.
Sow in rows 15 cm apart. Sow the seeds thinly and only on the surface, or cover them with no more than ½ cm of fine soil. Lightly rake the soil over the seeds and water thoroughly immediately after sowing. At a soil temperature of 18 - 20 °C , germination takes approximately 3 - 4 weeks. Keep the soil consistently moist during this period and do not allow it to dry out. Once the seedlings are large enough to handle, thin them to 20 cm (8 in) apart to give each plant enough room to develop properly.
Leaf celery grows best in nutrient-rich, humus-rich, moisture-retentive soil with good drainage. The plants require relatively high levels of nitrogen to produce abundant leafy growth. Water regularly and never allow the soil to dry out completely. Keep the growing area free of weeds throughout the season so the plants receive sufficient light, water and nutrients. Protect young seedlings from slugs, which can cause considerable damage, especially in spring.
The first leaves can be harvested from July onwards. Harvest the outer leaves or stalks first, leaving the centre of the plant intact so that it continues to produce new shoots. For a complete harvest, cut the leaves together with the stalks, leaving a substantial stump. New shoots will emerge from this stump, allowing the plant to be harvested several times. Fresh leaf celery can be used immediately or frozen successfully, preserving its flavour and aroma for a long time. With proper care, Leaf Celery 'Gewone Snij' will provide a continuous harvest of aromatic leaves for many months, making it an excellent herb for everyday cooking.
