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TALL UTAH
CELERY

Guide to Cultivating Tall Utah Celery

Celery is a versatile and nutritious vegetable that adds a delightful crunch and refreshing flavor to a variety of dishes. One popular variety of celery is the Tall Utah celery, known for its tall stalks and vibrant green leaves. In this guide, we will explore how to successfully cultivate Tall Utah celery, from seed sowing to harvest, as well as provide a delicious recipe and highlight the health benefits of this tasty vegetable.

1. Selecting Seeds:
Start by choosing high-quality Tall Utah celery seeds from a reputable source. Make sure the seeds are fresh and have a high germination rate. Consider purchasing organic seeds to ensure a more natural growing process.

2. Preparing the Soil:
Celery thrives in well-draining, nutrient-rich soil. Prepare the garden bed by loosening the soil to a depth of at least 12 inches and removing any weeds or rocks. Incorporate organic matter such as compost or well-rotted manure to improve soil fertility and moisture retention.

3. Sowing Seeds:
Sow the celery seeds indoors about 10 to 12 weeks before the last frost date in your region. Fill seed trays or small pots with a high-quality potting mix and sow the seeds about 1/8 inch deep. Mist the soil lightly and cover the tray with a plastic dome or wrap it with plastic wrap to create a humid environment.

4. Germination and Transplanting:
Celery seeds may take up to two weeks to germinate. During this time, ensure that the soil remains consistently moist but not waterlogged. Once the seedlings have grown to a height of about 2 inches, thin them out, leaving only the strongest ones. Gradually acclimate the seedlings to outdoor conditions by placing them in a sheltered area for a few hours a day. Transplant them to the garden bed once the danger of frost has passed and the soil temperature reaches around 50°F (10°C).

5. Proper Care:
Water the celery plants consistently, aiming to keep the soil moist at all times. Mulching around the plants will help retain moisture and deter weeds. Fertilize regularly with a balanced organic vegetable fertilizer, following the instructions on the package. Blanching celery by wrapping the stalks in paper or cardboard when they reach a height of about 8 to 10 inches can help reduce bitterness and improve the flavor.

6. Harvesting:
Tall Utah celery can be harvested when the stalks are about 12 to 18 inches tall and the central stalk is thick and crunchy. Use a sharp knife or garden shears to cut the stalks at the base, close to the soil level. Harvest the outer stalks first, allowing the inner stalks to continue growing for further harvests.

Popular Recipe: Celery and Apple Salad
Ingredients:
- 4 stalks of Tall Utah celery, thinly sliced
- 2 crisp apples, such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
- 1/4 cup raisins
- 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon honey

 Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine the sliced celery, apples, walnuts, and raisins.
2. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, lemon juice, honey, salt, and pepper.
3. Pour the dressing over the celery and apple mixture and toss gently to coat.
4. Let the salad sit in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. Serve chilled.

Health Benefits of Tall Utah Celery:
Celery, including the Tall Utah variety, is a nutrition powerhouse. Here are some health benefits associated with consuming celery:

1. Hydration: Celery is high in water content, helping to hydrate the body and support optimal organ function.

2. Antioxidants: Celery contains several antioxidants, including vitamin C and beta-carotene, which help protect against free radicals and reduce inflammation.

3. Digestive Health: The insoluble fiber in celery promotes regular bowel movements and supports a healthy digestive system.

4. Reduced Blood Pressure: Celery contains compounds that may have a mild lowering effect on blood pressure, potentially beneficial for those with hypertension.

5. Anti-inflammatory Properties: Celery contains various anti-inflammatory compounds, such as apigenin and luteolin, which may help reduce inflammation in the body.

In conclusion, cultivating Tall Utah celery can be a rewarding experience. Follow this guide to successfully grow this variety, and enjoy the crisp stalks and health benefits it offers.