Healthy Celeriac Fries

French fries are one of the most popular foods today. We can all agree that they taste fantastic, but the fact is that they are bad for our health and numerous scientific studies have confirmed that. French fries are rich in bad fats: as the oil is reused it turns into trans fats. But, there is a healthy alternative for this snack that tastes great too – celeriac fries. As the name suggests, these fries are made from celery root.

Celeriac or celery root is a root vegetable that belongs to the celery family. Just like many other root veggies, celeriac doesn’t look attractive and many people are unaware of the fact that this root is edible. It comes with long green stalks, but they are not suitable for snacking even though you can use them in soups.  When I grew up in Poland, we actually did not have celery. We always used celeriac root in soup stocks and if green tops were used, they would be discarded later. Celeriac roots have round shape and uneven, rough surface that you just have to peel. They are solid white inside. It turns out that they are great for preparing fries. Celery root tastes refreshing and some people say that the taste is similar to a mixture of parsley, potatoes, and celery. Of course, the main difference is that celery root is very good for our health and if you make them at home, you are not using  trans fats.

Health Benefits of Celery Root (Celeriac)

First and foremost, celery root is rich in vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine). Just one serving of celery root comes with about 20% of the daily recommended amount of this vitamin. So, with the help of celery root, you will be able to produce more neurotransmitters and fight cognitive decline. In addition, this vitamin is good for the immune system too and helps keep homocysteine in check.

Another great health benefit of eating celery root in the form of fries or other foods is its ability to improve bone density and protect us against osteoporosis. It turns out that celery root is one of the richest sources of vitamin K. Half a cup of this root contains more than half of the daily recommended dose of vitamin K. On the other hand, when the body lacks vitamin K, bones can’t use calcium and as a result of that people witness the emergence of osteoporosis. In addition to vitamin K, celery root contains phosphorus and calcium, minerals that are essential for bone health.

A study conducted not while ago has shown that celery root can keep people safer from Parkinson’s disease due to the presence of vitamin B6. The levels of vitamin C are high in celery root too and this vitamin is responsible for the creation of collagen and creation of brand new blood vessels required for healing damaged tissue. So, celery root can accelerate the process of healing wounds and keep people safe from wound-related infections.

Celery root contains vitamin B5, which serves as a natural moisturizer for the skin. With the help of this vitamin, you can keep the skin fresh, smooth and soft. Eating celery root on a regular basis should keep your skin hydrated.

Last but not least, celery root may to reduce arthritis effects and inflammation because it contains significant amounts of potassium and copper.

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Celeriac Fries

July 12, 2016

by Kasia Kines

Category Appetizer Appetizers & Snacks Member Recipes Recipes Side Dish Vegetable Side Dish

Persons

4

Notes

Adapted from the Sexy Vegan by Brian Patton.

Ingredients

• 3 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 2 pounds celery root, peeled and cut into steak fry shapes
• Celtic Sea Salt
• Pepper

Instructions

1. Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees.
2. Line a baking sheet with foil and grease the foil with 1 teaspoon of oil.
3. In a large bowl, toss the celery root with the remaining 2 teaspoons of oil, a pinch of salt, and pepper to taste.
4. Spread out the celery root fries on the baking sheet and bake for 1 hour, tossing after 30 minutes.
5. Remove from the oven and taste. Season with salt and pepper if needed.

https://kasiakines.com/healthy-celeriac-fries/

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