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You can do a whole lot with celery greens, and tossing them out is honestly one of the biggest kitchen mistakes you can make.
Those leafy tops that come attached to your bunch of celery are packed with flavor and nutrients, and they deserve way more love than the trash can.
If you’ve been wondering what you can do with celery greens, you’re in the right place because there are so many tasty options.
In this post, we’ll look at what celery greens actually are, why they’re worth keeping, and the best ways to use celery greens in your everyday cooking.
Let’s get into it.
What Are Celery Greens and Why Should You Keep Them?
Celery greens are simply the leaves that grow at the top of a celery stalk.
Many people chop them off and throw them away without a second thought, but that’s a real shame.
Here’s why celery greens are worth holding onto:
1. They’re Packed With Nutrients
Celery greens are loaded with vitamins A, C, and K, plus a decent amount of calcium and potassium.
In fact, the leaves often contain more vitamins than the stalks themselves.
So when you use celery greens, you’re boosting the nutritional value of your meal for free.
2. They Bring Serious Flavor
Celery greens taste like a more concentrated version of the stalk.
They have that same fresh, slightly peppery celery flavor, but with a bit more punch.
That means you can use celery greens anywhere you want a bold celery note without adding extra bulk.
3. They Cut Down on Food Waste
Using celery greens is one of the easiest ways to reduce kitchen waste.
Instead of tossing the tops, you turn them into something delicious, which saves you money too.
Once you start cooking with celery greens, you’ll wonder why you ever threw them out.
Ways to Use Celery Greens in the Kitchen
So what can you do with celery greens in your daily cooking?
Plenty, and most of these ideas take just a few minutes.
1. Toss Them Into Soups and Stocks
One of the best things you can do with celery greens is drop them into soups and stocks.
They add depth and aroma, and they’re a classic part of a homemade mirepoix.
Just chop up the celery greens and add them near the end of cooking so they keep their color and flavor.
2. Blend Them Into Pesto
You can use celery greens to make a vibrant, herby pesto.
Swap out some of the basil for celery greens, then blend with garlic, nuts, olive oil, and parmesan.
The result is a fresh, slightly peppery sauce that’s perfect on pasta or toast.
3. Add Them to Salads
Fresh celery greens work beautifully in salads.
Their tender leaves add texture and a gentle celery flavor that pairs well with apples, walnuts, and sharp cheese.
Just give them a quick rinse and toss them in raw for a crisp, refreshing bite.
4. Use Them as a Garnish
Another simple idea is to use celery greens as a garnish.
They look a lot like parsley, so they can dress up soups, stews, and roasted dishes in seconds.
Next time a recipe calls for parsley, try celery greens instead and see how you like it.
5. Stir Them Into Egg Dishes
Celery greens are great in scrambled eggs, omelets, and frittatas.
Chop them finely and fold them in for a subtle, savory flavor boost.
This is one of the quickest ways to use celery greens before they wilt.
How to Store Celery Greens So They Last Longer
If you want to get the most out of your celery greens, storing them properly matters.
Here’s how to keep celery greens fresh:
1. Keep Them Damp and Cold
Wrap the celery greens in a slightly damp paper towel, then place them in a sealed bag in the fridge.
This keeps them crisp for up to a week.
2. Freeze Them for Later
If you can’t use celery greens right away, freeze them.
Chop them up, spread them on a tray, and freeze before transferring to a bag.
That way you can toss celery greens straight into soups whenever you need them.
3. Dry Them Into a Seasoning
You can also dehydrate celery greens and crush them into a powder.
This homemade celery seasoning is fantastic on popcorn, roasted veggies, and even fries.
It’s a clever way to use celery greens that would otherwise go to waste.
So, What Can You Do With Celery Greens?
You can do so much with celery greens, and none of it involves throwing them away.
From soups and pesto to salads and garnishes, celery greens are a versatile, nutritious ingredient hiding in plain sight.
They add flavor, cut down on waste, and save you money all at once.
So the next time you bring home a bunch of celery, think twice before ditching those leafy tops.
Use celery greens in your next meal and you’ll never look at them the same way again.