By: Judy Davie - The Food Coach
 The other morning, I was gifted a large, knobbly celeriac bulb. To be honest, I'd never cooked with one before. I'd tasted it once in a soup but wasn't exactly rushing to buy it again. Let's face it-celeriac isn't what you'd call a showstopper. With its rough, gnarly skin and beige flesh, it looks more like something you'd dig up and discard than something to feature in dinner. I also assumed it wasn't particularly good for you. After all, it's often mashed with potato and cream-and being pale in colour, I figured it probably lacked the antioxidant punch of its more vibrantly hued cousins.
But hey, it was a gift. And I believe every food deserves a second chance.
A Delicious Discovery
I peeled away its gnarly skin, diced it, and-being a newbie-consulted Jamie Oliver for a little inspiration. Once I felt confident, I added my own twist: sautéed in garlic and olive oil until golden, simmered gently in stock, and finished with a handful of chopped silverbeet.
Served alongside grilled kingfish, it was divine.
What really surprised me, though, was the aroma. When I first cut into it, it released a strong, celery-like scent that clung to my hands. I braced myself for something overpowering, but instead, the flavour was subtle, slightly nutty, and beautifully sweet.
I expected it to be starchy like a potato, but it wasn't-which was fantastic news for someone like me, always on the lookout for comforting winter dishes that won't overload the carbs.
So impressed was I with this unexpected gem that I decided to dig a little deeper into what it offers from a nutrition perspective. Here's what I found.
Why Celeriac Deserves a Spot in Your Kitchen
✔ Low in Energy (kJ/calories)
At just 175 kJ per 100g, celeriac has fewer kilojoules than potato or sweet potato. That makes it a great choice if you're watching your weight-just skip the cream!
✔ Lower in Carbohydrates
Celeriac delivers satisfying comfort with fewer carbs, making it a smart alternative to potatoes, pasta, or rice-especially for those trying to lose a few kilos.
✔ A Good Source of Fibre
Celeriac is rich in insoluble fibre, great for digestive health and also helpful in lowering cholesterol. A win-win for your gut and your heart.
✔ High in Potassium
This essential mineral helps regulate blood pressure and reduce fluid retention-and most of us don't get enough. Vegetables like celeriac are an easy way to boost your intake.
5 Ways to Use Celeriac (Now That You Know It's Delicious)
1. Celeriac Mash
Forget the cream. Try mashing it with a glug of olive oil, a pinch of salt, and a crack of pepper. It's smooth, earthy, and a lighter alternative to mashed potato.
2. Celeriac Remoulade
A French classic. Grate raw celeriac and toss with mustard, lemon juice, and a dollop of yoghurt or light mayo for a zesty, crunchy slaw-style salad.
3. Celeriac Soup
Gently simmer with garlic, thyme, and stock, then blend until silky smooth. A warming, creamy soup without the cream.
4. Roasted Celeriac
Cut into wedges, drizzle with olive oil, season with your favourite herbs, and roast until golden. A simple, satisfying side dish.
5. Celeriac Fries
Cut into thin strips, toss with oil, and bake until crisp for a tasty, low-carb alternative to chips.
Final Thoughts
Celeriac may never win a beauty contest, but it's definitely won me over. It's versatile, subtly sweet, nutritious, and-best of all-PDG (pretty damn good). If you've overlooked this humble root vegetable before, maybe it's time to give it another go.
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