Europe & Mediterranean

Celery Seed

Apium graveolens, seed.

Seed.

Part Used

Whole dried seed or ground.

Form

Graines de céleri (French).

Widespread across Europe.

Intensely savory, bitter-celery concentrate, far sharper than fresh celery.

Flavoring for pickling brines, dressings, and some spice blends.

Pickling brines; Bloody Mary seasoning; coleslaw dressing.

Vinegar, mustard, mayonnaise-based dressings.

Add whole to pickling brine early; ground celery seed (or celery salt, a common derivative) can be added at any stage.

Whole seed keeps 2+ years sealed and dark.

Finely minced fresh celery leaf, in greater quantity, though this lacks the seed's concentrated intensity.

The source of commercial celery salt (a mix of ground celery seed and salt), a distinct pantry product.

Celery salt (a two-ingredient preparation).