Definition

Noun: - The seed of the celery plant (Apium graveolens) used as a seasoning: A small, aromatic seed harvested from the celery plant, valued for its concentrated flavor which is similar to, but stronger than, celery stalks. It is used as a spice to flavor foods.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • Add a teaspoon of celery seed to the coleslaw dressing for extra flavor.
  • The recipe calls for celery seed to be ground and mixed into the bread dough.
  • Some people use celery seed as a salt substitute in low-sodium diets.

Advanced Usage

• "Celery seed" in pickling: The seed is a common component in pickling spice blends for vegetables like cucumbers and carrots.

  • The classic dill pickle recipe includes mustard seed and celery seed.

• "Celery seed" in traditional remedies: Historically, the seed has been used in various herbal preparations.

  • Some herbal teas incorporate celery seed for its purported properties.

Variants and Related Words

• Celery salt (n): A seasoning blend of ground celery seed and table salt.

  • Celery salt is popular for seasoning Bloody Mary cocktails.

• Celery (n): The common vegetable (stalk) from the same plant, Apium graveolens.

Synonyms

• Celery spice: A less common term referring to the dried seed used for seasoning.

Notes on Meaning

• Primary Meaning: The term almost exclusively refers to the dried seed used culinarily. It is not typically used to refer to a seed for planting, though it is biologically the same. In a gardening context, one would usually specify "celery seeds for planting."

Noun

1. seed of the celery plant used as seasoning