Perhaps you've noticed that raw celery juice is a current wellness fad, following on the heels of other trendy "super foods" such as kale, acai berries, flax and chia seeds popularized by celebrity social media influencers.
According to Traditional Chinese/ Eastern Medicine, celery, though not a panacea, does possess considerable health supportive qualities, including its ability to cool inflammation, reduce dampness, strengthen organ function and calm the nervous system. In western terms, celery contains generous amounts of essential compounds such as potassium, silicon, sodium, vitamin C and more.
The brilliantly fresh organic celery at my local farmers market is topped with large crowns of bright green leaves whose deep pigmentation signals a high nutrient content. Quite bitter when raw, celery leaves mellow appreciably when briefly simmered in water. The resulting broth and lightly steamed leaves are intensely flavorful and energizing, and can serve as a potent antidote to holiday feasting.
Although raw juices are hugely popular in contemporary wellness culture, Traditional Chinese/ Eastern Medicine specialists recommend avoiding consumption of cold raw foods in winter, especially for individuals who are recovering from illness, suffer from fatigue, have difficulty staying warm, are older or have chronic health challenges. Lightly steamed hardy greens and warm broths are thought to be particularly restorative.
Disclaimer: This simple celery leaf infusion is not party fare, but your body will celebrate when you reward it with the occasional cup.
Ingredients:
2 bunches organic celery with leaves
fresh water
Method:
Cut leafy tops and their slender stems from the thicker celery stalks.
Set aside the celery stalks for future use.
Chop leaves and stems roughly.
Place chopped greens in a stainless steel pot with a well fitting lid.
Add fresh water to cover about half the greens.
Cover pot and bring to a gentle simmer for two or three minutes, stirring once or twice.
When leaves have wilted but still retain their bright green color, remove from heat.
Allow leaves to rest, covered, for five or ten minutes.
Broth:
Pour the celery broth into clean glass jars; it will keep well in fridge for several days.
Gently reheat without boiling and sip for an invigorating, warming winter drink.
Greens:
Greens will store well for several days in fridge.
To prepare, finely chop greens and heat briefly in olive oil.
Serve tossed with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper, or with any garnish of your choice.
Especially delicious sprinkled with home made gomasio, a Japanese toasted sesame seed condiment. (Recipe @ http://tinyurl.com/rbo3w6f)
