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You can do a surprising number of useful things with celery greens.
Those leafy tops that often get chopped off and tossed in the trash are actually packed with flavor and nutrients.
If you’ve ever wondered what you can do with celery greens, you’re in the right place.
Celery greens are the leaves attached to the stalks, and they’re completely edible.
In fact, they taste a lot like celery but with a slightly stronger, more concentrated flavor.
So instead of throwing them away, here are some practical and tasty ways to use celery greens in your kitchen and beyond.
Let’s dive into what you can do with celery greens so you never waste them again.
What Can You Do With Celery Greens in Cooking?
Celery greens can be used in cooking just like you would use the stalks, but with even more punch.
Here are some of the best ways to put them to work.
1. Toss Them Into Soups and Stocks
One of the easiest things you can do with celery greens is drop them into soups and stocks.
They add a deep, savory celery flavor that enhances the broth.
Just chop them up and add them toward the end of cooking so they keep some of their bright taste.
You can also simmer them whole in a stock and strain them out later.
2. Blend Them Into Pesto
Celery greens make a fantastic pesto when you swap out basil or mix them together.
Blend celery greens with garlic, nuts, Parmesan, and olive oil for a fresh twist on a classic.
This is a brilliant answer to what you can do with celery greens if you have a big bunch.
The pesto freezes well, so you can enjoy it for months.
3. Add Them to Salads
Young, tender celery greens are perfect raw in salads.
They bring a crisp, peppery bite that works beautifully with leafy greens.
Just chop them finely and toss them in with your favorite dressing.
This is one of the simplest things you can do with celery greens when you want a quick lunch.
4. Use Them as a Garnish
Celery greens are an underrated garnish.
Sprinkle them over deviled eggs, potato salad, or even a Bloody Mary.
They add a pop of green and a fresh celery aroma.
So next time you’re plating a dish, consider what you can do with celery greens as a finishing touch.
What Can You Do With Celery Greens Beyond the Kitchen?
Celery greens aren’t just for eating.
There are several clever non-culinary uses that make them worth saving.
Here are a few ideas.
1. Make a Refreshing Infused Water
Drop a handful of celery greens into a pitcher of cold water.
Add lemon slices or cucumber for extra freshness.
This is a great way to stay hydrated and use up those greens.
It’s one of the most refreshing things you can do with celery greens on a hot day.
2. Create a Natural Cleaner
Celery greens can be simmered in water to create a mild, pleasant-smelling cleaner.
Strain the liquid and use it to wipe down counters.
It’s a gentle, natural option that won’t leave harsh chemical fumes.
This is an unusual but effective answer to what you can do with celery greens.
3. Feed Them to Your pets or Compost
If you have rabbits, guinea pigs, or chickens, they often love celery greens.
Just chop them up and offer them as a treat.
Otherwise, toss them into your compost bin.
They break down quickly and add nutrients to your soil.
So even if you don’t eat them, you can still do something useful with celery greens.
How to Store Celery Greens So You Can Use Them Later
Knowing what you can do with celery greens is only half the battle.
You also need to store them properly so they don’t wilt.
Here are a few quick tips.
1. Wrap Them in a Damp Paper Towel
Pat the greens dry, then wrap them in a slightly damp paper towel.
Place the bundle in a plastic bag and store it in the crisper drawer.
This keeps them fresh for up to a week.
2. Freeze Them for Later
Chop the greens and freeze them in ice cube trays with a little water or olive oil.
Once frozen, pop the cubes into a bag.
Then you can drop them straight into soups or sautés whenever you need them.
This is a smart answer to what you can do with celery greens when you have more than you can use at once.
3. Dry Them for Long-Term Storage
You can also dehydrate celery greens in a low oven or dehydrator.
Once dry, crush them into a powder.
Use the powder as a seasoning for soups, stews, or popcorn.
So now you have yet another option for what you can do with celery greens.
So, What Can You Do With Celery Greens?
You can do a lot with celery greens.
You can cook with them, blend them into pesto, garnish dishes, infuse water, or even compost them.
They’re flavorful, nutritious, and incredibly versatile.
So the next time you’re about to toss those leafy tops, remember all the things you can do with celery greens.
Your kitchen and your garden will thank you.