Parsley and celery are well-known plants widely used in cooking and traditional medicine. They are eagerly grown in country houses and even on the windowsills enthusiastic gardeners. And although they are completely different plants they are often confused.
Further we will tell in detail about these two plants and what is the difference between them, methods of cultivation, what methods of consumption exist.
It is also helpful to read about the beneficial properties of these root crops, and how they are used in traditional medicine.
Definition and botanical description
Parsley (genus Petroselinum) is usually a biennial plant belonging to the family of Umbrella or Celery. There are two known types of parsley. Both leaf and root parsley are grown.
Reference. In 2011, parsley, or rather seeds, was added to the list of plants containing narcotic substances.
Celery (genus Apium) - herbaceous plants, the genus belongs to the family of Umbrella and has 17 species. From the name of this genus comes all the names of the family of Umbrella or Seldereeevye, Apiaceae. Three forms of celery are grown:
- root;
- stem;
- sheet.
In appearance, these celery varieties are well distinguishable. At the root of the root is a bit out of the ground and clearly visible, petiolate celery has dense, full-bodied, succulent stems, whereas leaf celery has a developed leaf blade and a hollow petiole.
As you can see, these are not the same plants and it seems that it is difficult to confuse them. However, they have a very similar form of leaves, and often choosing greens to the table in the supermarket, you can not see what kind of spicy herb caught. And then at home to be surprised that this parsley smells strange.
What is the difference?
There are several main differences between parsley and celery, which relate not only to the appearance, but also take into account such details as chemical composition and region of origin:
- The first and main difference is the smell. Both plants contain essential oils, but the flavor is completely different.
- Parsley has no petiolate form.
- Wild representatives of these herbs are found in different regions. Parsley grows in Greece, Macedonia, Algeria, Spain. Celery is found in the Mediterranean countries, in well-humid places, for example, along river banks.
And now we will look at their field of application.
The field of application in the culinary business is very similar. Parsley - one of the most common spicy herbsFresh leaves are added to salads, also used in dried and frozen form. It is added to various vegetable, meat and fish dishes, widely used in home canning.
Celery is also added to meat dishes (it goes very well with duck), vegetable and mushroom dishes. Such a simple recipe with celery root is well known: grate carrots, celery and apple, add salad dressing, for example, butter.
What is more useful?
Both herbs contain vitamins and microelements, they are recommended to be used to balance your diet and make it more complete.
Table - The content of trace elements per 100 g of plant
Trace elements | Parsley (greens) | Celery (root vegetable) |
Iron mg | 6,2 | 0,7 |
Magnesium mg | 50 | 20 |
Potassium, mg | 554 | 300 |
Calcium, mg | 138 | 43 |
Manganese, mg | 0,16 | 0,158 |
Sodium, mg | 56 | 100 |
Copper mg | 0,149 | 0,07 |
Phosphorus, mg | 58 | 115 |
Zinc, mg | 1,07 | 0,33 |
Selenium, mcg | 0,1 | 0,7 |
Potassium and magnesium are essential for normal heart function and prevention of cardiovascular diseases.
Celery contains more sodium than calcium. Therefore, celery contributes to the dissolution of salts in the body and is very useful for joints. It distinguishes it from parsley.
Important! Limit celery consumption during pregnancy, especially for long periods. Celery can provoke uterine contractions and lead to premature birth.
In folk medicine, both plants are widely used. So, Parsley is used to improve the appetite and the work of the entire digestive system. Parsley reduces sweating, refreshes the mouth, is very good for the skin, has a tonic and brightening effect. It is useful for men, as it increases the potency, and for women, because it helps to normalize the menstrual cycle.
Celery normalizes water-salt metabolism, is useful for the normal functioning of the gastrointestinal tract, has a calming effect. Celery, like parsley, is good for men's health. It is also useful for women, as it removes the pain of menstruation and is indicated for menopause.
When eating celery juice, be careful. Since it dilates the walls of blood vessels and is contraindicated for varicose veins.
Celery is useful if you want to lose weight. This wonderful plant is remarkable in that the body spends more energy on its digestion than it receives. This property is also called "negative calorie".
As you can see, both parsley and celery are good for health, as the saying goes. "You want to run faster, Eat more celery!"