OFF THE SHELF
Celery root or celeriac is delicious if not attractive

By Kaui Philpotts

The knobby and prosaic celeriac is a flavorful root vegetable that can be delicious eaten in a number of ways, whether raw or cooked. Gregory Yamamoto • The Honolulu Advertiser

You will find the winter root vegetable in markets from September to May. Its flavor is somewhat like celery and a little like parsley. Although it can be large as a cantaloupe, smaller sizes are best. It will keep from seven to 10 days refrigerated.

This is not the root of the celery we know and love. It is a variety cultivated only for its root. It can be eaten raw or cooked. When you peel the gnarly skin, do it underwater so the flesh won't turn brown from exposure to air. If you want to eat it raw, shred or grate it into salads. You also can add it in chunks to stews or soups, as well as boil, saute or braise it.