We had a large family celebration pot-luck recently and I found 3 big bunches of celery in my refrigarator when all had left. I still have celery growing in pots! Can celery be dried to add to soup/cassoroles in winter and if so, how-I don't have a dehydrator-however, I have a nice big screen and temp is supposed to be near 85 tomorrow Thanks-K.

-- kelly (markelly@scrtc.com), October 02, 2001

Answers

You can freeze celery,if your going to use it for soup or dressings.I chopped it in slices and freeze. I don't defrost before using.

-- Jo (farmerjo@kvalley.com), October 02, 2001.

I would freeze it, though I am sure you could dry it. You would have to slice it very thin, to allow those thick stems to dehydrate quickly enough to prevent spoilage.

My mom tried growing celery, and ended up with nothing but leaves. Those leaves dried wonderfully, and contributed rich flavor to soups for that year!

-- daffodyllady (daffodyllady@yahoo.com), October 03, 2001.

I dry celery all the time. Cut into 1/8-1/4" pieces, put on trays and leave about 18-24 hours. Put in zip lock bags or jars and store.

I sometimes will mix the veg. I have tried together into a soup mix, then when I am cooking my stock, I just toss in a handful or two of the veg. Very easy.

-- Cordy (ckaylegian@aol.com), October 03, 2001.