How To Peel And Cut Celery Root

To peel and cut celery root, you’ll first need to remove its thick, knobby skin and then slice it into your desired shape.
 
It might look intimidating at first because of its rough exterior, but once you know the right techniques, peeling and cutting celery root becomes a straightforward kitchen task.
 
Celery root, also known as celeriac, is a delicious root vegetable that adds a unique celery-like flavor to soups, salads, and mashes.
 
In this post, we’ll walk through exactly how to peel and cut celery root step by step, share some handy tips to make the process easier, and cover a few ways to use it in your cooking.
 
Let’s dive in.
 

How to Peel and Cut Celery Root

Peeling and cutting celery root is all about having the right tools and a bit of patience.
 
Here’s how to do it from start to finish.
 

1. Gather Your Tools and Prepare the Celery Root

Before you start peeling and cutting celery root, make sure you have a sharp chef’s knife, a sturdy cutting board, a vegetable peeler, and a bowl of acidulated water (water with a squeeze of lemon juice) to prevent browning.
 
Rinse the celery root under cold water to remove any dirt trapped in its crevices.
 
Use a vegetable brush if needed to scrub the surface clean.
 
Pat it dry with a towel before you begin peeling and cutting celery root.
 

2. Slice Off the Top and Bottom

Place the celery root on your cutting board and use your chef’s knife to slice off the top and bottom ends.
 
This creates a stable base so the root won’t wobble while you’re peeling and cutting celery root.
 
Cut off just enough to expose the flesh, about a quarter-inch on each side.
 

3. Peel Away the Thick Skin

You can peel celery root with a vegetable peeler, but a sharp knife often works better because the skin is thick and uneven.
 
Stand the root upright on its flat base and cut downward along the sides, following the natural curve.
 
Remove all the brown, fibrous skin along with any dark spots or soft areas.
 
Keep peeling and cutting celery root until you reveal the creamy white flesh underneath.
 

4. Cut the Celery Root into Your Desired Shape

Once peeled, you can cut celery root into cubes, slices, matchsticks, or grate it, depending on your recipe.
 
For even cooking, cut the root into uniform pieces about one inch thick.
 
If you’re cutting celery root into cubes, first slice it into thick rounds, then stack the rounds and cut them into strips, and finally cut across the strips to make cubes.
 
As you work, drop the cut pieces into the bowl of acidulated water to keep them from turning brown.
 

Tips for Peeling and Cutting Celery Root

Peeling and cutting celery root gets easier once you know a few tricks.
 
Keep these tips in mind the next time you’re peeling and cutting celery root.
 

1. Use a Sharp Knife

A dull knife makes peeling and cutting celery root dangerous and frustrating.
 
A sharp chef’s knife glides through the tough skin and dense flesh with less effort.
 
Sharpen your knife before you start peeling and cutting celery root for the best results.
 

2. Work with Smaller Pieces

If your celery root is large, cut it into quarters before peeling.
 
Smaller pieces are easier to handle and reduce the risk of slipping while peeling and cutting celery root.
 
Just be sure each piece has a flat side to rest on.
 

3. Keep It in Lemon Water

Celery root oxidizes quickly and turns brown once exposed to air.
 
As soon as you finish peeling and cutting celery root, submerge the pieces in water with lemon juice or vinegar.
 
This simple step keeps the flesh bright and fresh until you’re ready to cook.
 

4. Save the Scraps for Stock

Don’t toss the peels and trimmings after peeling and cutting celery root.
 
Save them in a freezer bag with other vegetable scraps to make homemade stock later.
 
They add a lovely celery flavor that deepens any soup or stew.
 

What to Make After Peeling and Cutting Celery Root

Now that you’ve done the work of peeling and cutting celery root, it’s time to put it to good use.
 
Here are a few delicious ways to enjoy it.
 

1. Creamy Celery Root Soup

After peeling and cutting celery root, simmer the cubes with onions, garlic, and potatoes in broth until tender.
 
Blend everything until smooth, then stir in a splash of cream for a velvety soup.
 

2. Celery Root Remoulade

This classic French dish starts with peeling and cutting celery root into thin matchsticks.
 
Toss the raw strips with a creamy mustard dressing and fresh herbs for a crunchy, tangy salad.
 

3. Roasted Celery Root

After peeling and cutting celery root into cubes, toss them with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
 
Roast at 425°F for about 30 minutes until golden and tender.
 
The natural sweetness comes out beautifully in the oven.
 

So, How Do You Peel and Cut Celery Root?

To peel and cut celery root, slice off the top and bottom, remove the thick skin with a sharp knife or peeler, and cut the flesh into your desired shape.
 
It takes a little effort because of the root’s tough exterior, but the creamy, flavorful interior is well worth it.
 
With the right tools and a bowl of lemon water nearby, peeling and cutting celery root becomes a simple routine you’ll master in no time.
 
Now you can enjoy this versatile vegetable in soups, salads, roasts, and more.