Friday 16 November 2007

celeriac


Knob celery or Rastafarian turnip!
Celeriac is a root vegetable with unappealing looks and so not available widely in supermarkets. But it's easy to grow and tastes great!!

We sowed seeds in the spring, grew on until strapping seedlings and then dobbed them into the soil.

They like full sun - but rough luck this year to them! Still, they struggled on and have achieved a tolerable 10cm diameter.

Next year I'll try and make sure that they get even more organic matter in the soil and I'll try to draw the earth back from the roots to trim some of the tangled upper roots to achieve more of a regular, tennis ball shape.

But, here's an another advantage - they get better after a dose of cold weather, brings the sugars out and makes them even more welcome in casseroles and soups.

The leaves, although strong in flavour, are great as a garnish and enjoyed by bantams. A definite for next year.

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2 comments:

Furbs said...

I don't blame you for making space for them - we've already got themon our list for next year. Celary and and Celeriac soup is a bit of a favourite - as is potato and celeriac mash. Mouth's watering as I write!

Rob said...

Thanks for comment furbs.

Just got a recipe for that Geordie favourite pan hagerty (The Accidental Vegetarian), which is traditionally oven baked and made from thinly sliced potatoes and onions topped with grated cheese.

Add thinly sliced celariac to the mix it says . Can't wait!!