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Unlocking the Secrets of Celeriac

January 11, 2018 By marketeditor

By Himanee Gupta-Carlson

 

Celeriac, photo courtesy of Pattie Garrett

Saratoga winters are harsh. It’s cold. The snow keeps coming. We can play in the fresh drifts and warm ourselves by the fire. But ultimately the taste buds start crying for something crunchy, tangy, and fresh.

Celeriac might be the salve.

This beige, knobby root vegetable typically makes its appearance at the Saratoga Farmers’ Market just before Christmas. Currently, it is available from Gomez VeggieVille, whose members swear by the root. According to Valentina Gomez, it is celery with oomph. Her husband recommends peeling the outer surface, slicing into it thinly, and eating it as is or in a salad. She suggests steaming it, sautéing it, roasting it, or letting it steep into a root vegetable gratin or stew.

 

“How you like celery is how to like celeriac,” says Valentina Gomez.

Over the years, I have bought celeriac from the Gomez’s and others. I have treated it more like an ingredient to add to a dish, rather than a dish in and of itself. It tasted to me like celery and maybe licorice. A little went a long way.

Then, Pattie Garrett, market photographer and author of the My Saratoga Kitchen Table food blog,

began inundating me with recipes featuring celeriac: celeriac fries, mashed celeriac and potatoes, a gratin that includes celeriac.

Market director Julia Howard also got on the celeriac beat.

“I always saw it at the market but rarely tried it,” says Howard. “I think mainly because I wasn’t sure how to prepare it.”

Celeriac (celery root)

Howard’s mother, who is from Germany where celeriac is common, suggested that she try it. Howard peeled a root and steamed it. “I ate it with a little bit of salt. It was really good. It was fresh and crisp like an apple, but when cooked was tender like steamed broccoli or cauliflower. It has a hint of sweetness.”

Garrett, Howard, and Gomez have emboldened me to experiment with celeriac. I have steamed it, roasted it, chopped it into salads, and eaten it as I like to eat celery – with peanut butter.

Celeriac has proved its worth. Its flavor reminds me of seasons past and of the spring to come. It is crisp, tangy, and good.

Visit the Saratoga Farmers’ Market 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturdays at the Lincoln Baths Building in Saratoga Spa State Park; follow us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram; and contact friends@saratogafarmersmarket.org for volunteer opportunities.

Filed Under: Featured Article, News Tagged With: Celeriac, Celery root, Gomez VeggieVille, Saratoga Farmers' Market, Saratoga Springs, Saturdays, seasonal vegetables, shop local, winter produce

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We are honored to be nominated as one of the Best We are honored to be nominated as one of the Best Farmers’ Markets in the Capital Region for the Times Union’s Best of 2021! Thank you to all of our amazing customers and community for your continued support! You can vote for us daily under the category “Goods & Services” using this link: https://www.timesunion.com/bestof2021/ 
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#timesunionbestof2021 #timesunionbestof #saratogafarmersmarket #farmersmarket 
#supportlocal #shoplocal #saratogany #saratogasprings
Starting off the week with another MCM (Market Cru Starting off the week with another MCM (Market Crush Monday!) This week we talked to Kim from Mugzy’s Barkery who brings healthy, locally made dog treats to the market. 
 
1. How did Mugzy’s Barkery get started? 
My sister Jaime started the business just over 5 years ago to have a healthier treat option to give her beloved Olde English Bulldog, Mugzy. Our treats are all natural and organic, providing a healthy alternative to mass-produced treats for caring dog parents. 
 
 2. What’s your favorite part about vending at the market?
Definitely getting to see all the dogs! The funny thing is I know all our regular customer’s dogs by name, not the owners. 
 
3. What are your most popular treat flavors?
Pumpkin paws (grain-free biscuits) and the pupcakes (a bite-sized treat) are really popular with the dogs but we also have flavors like PB cookie cups, apple cheddar training treats, banana buddies and more, so something to fit any pup’s tastes!
 
The PB cookie cups have been tried and approved by our market assistant’s dog, Lacey! 
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#saratogafarmersmarket #farmersmarket #saratoga #upstateny #shoplocal #saratogadog #farmersmarketfresh #mugzysbarkery #dogtreats #healthydogtreats
No need for an international flight when you can j No need for an international flight when you can journey around the world at the market! 🌍 Between Italian, Mediterranean, and Ukrainian, our vendors bring some of their best home cuisines to the market.
 
Have you tried My Dacha's Ukrainian food yet? Choose from lots of delicious options like pierogies, stuffed cabbage, kielbasa, or opt for sweet crepes. 🥟🤤 (If you've tried their food, what's your favorite?!)

We're open this Saturday, 9:30am - 1:30pm at the Wilton Mall food court!
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#farmersmarket #saratogafarmersmarket #saratogasprings #food #ukrainian #pierogies
When the food court sun hits the product just righ When the food court sun hits the product just right... 👌 Don't forget our online preorder deadline is TONIGHT at 9pm for pickup this Saturday! Give some love to your gut and grab a bottle of @junbucha365 online or at the market.
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#saratogafarmersmarket #junbucha #kombucha #probiotics #loveyourgut #farmersmarket #onlinepreordering #curbsidepickup #saratoga #saratogasprings

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