**Dried Celery**

**Dried celery** is celery that has been dried to ensure long-term storage and ease of use. The drying process involves removing the water content from the stalks, which prevents spoilage while helping to preserve its flavor and nutrients.

**How to Use Dried Celery:**

• **Soups and Stews**: Before adding dried celery to soups, broths, or stews, rehydrate it in water.
• ترکیبات چاشنی : کرفس خشک را می‌توان آسیاب کرده و به عنوان بخشی از ترکیبات چاشنی برای مخلوط‌های خانگی مثل چاشنی رانچ یا چاشنی سبزیجات استفاده کرد.
• **Snacks**: You can eat dried celery directly, but its texture is quite different from fresh celery.
• **Smoothies:** When powdered, dried celery can be added to smoothies or shakes.

Rehydrating Dried Celery

To rehydrate dried celery, soak it in water for 20 to 30 minutes, depending on how dry it is. Alternatively, you can add it directly to dishes where it will absorb liquid, such as soups or sauces.

**How to Dry Celery at Home:**

1. **Clean the Celery**: Wash the celery thoroughly and cut the stalks into smaller pieces.
2. **Slice Uniformly**: Cut the celery into uniform pieces (about 1/4 inch thick).
3. **Blanching (Optional):** Some people boil celery for 3 minutes and then plunge it into ice water to preserve its color and texture, although this step is not mandatory.
4. **Drying**: Place the celery on a food dehydrator tray or spread it out on a baking sheet. If using a dehydrator, dry at 52°C (125°F) for 6 to 8 hours, or until completely dry and brittle. In the oven, set it to the lowest temperature and check regularly.
5. **Storage:** After drying, store the celery in an airtight container or vacuum-sealed bag. It should be kept in a cool, dark place and, if stored properly, can last up to a year.

6. Dried celery as a raw material in various applications:

   1. (Celery Powder)

      • **Application**: Dried celery can be ground into a fine powder to make celery powder, which is often used in seasonings, spice blends, or as a flavoring agent.
      • use:
        • **Seasoning Blends:** Celery powder is a key ingredient in some seasoning blends, such as celery salt (a common seasoning for cocktails like Bloody Mary, as well as in potato salad and coleslaw).
        • **Soup Bases**: Celery powder can be added to bouillon cubes or broth powders to enhance their flavor.
        • **Vegetable Chips and Snacks**: Celery powder can be used in seasoning blends for snacks like kale chips or flavored nuts.

   2. Broth and Soup Mixes :

      • **Application**: Dried celery is often used in ready-to-use soup packets, broths, and sauces due to its strong and concentrated flavor.
      • use:
        • **Instant Soup Packs**: Dried celery can be rehydrated and added to ready-made soup mixes.
        • **Vegetable or Vegan Broths**: Dried celery adds flavor to vegetable broths and plant-based stocks.

   3. Herbal Tea Blends

      • **Application**: Dried celery can be used as an ingredient in herbal tea blends, often valued for its mild flavor, light taste, and potential health benefits.
      • use:
        • **Digestive Teas**: Celery is sometimes used in teas designed to aid digestion, as it has mild diuretic properties.
        • **Flavored Blends**: Celery can be combined with other herbs like parsley, dill, and ginger to create flavored or medicinal teas.

   4. **Celery Paste or Celery Purée**

      • **Application**: After rehydrating dried celery, it can be turned into a paste or purée.
      • use:
        • **Sauces**: The purée can be used as a base for sauces or pickles, especially in dishes that require a sharp, herbaceous flavor.
        • **Salad Dressings**: The paste can be blended into salad dressings or dips, such as creamy celery dip or ranch dressing.

   5. **Celery Extracts**

      • **Application**: Dried celery can be turned into extracts where its flavor and nutrients are concentrated.
      • use:
        • **Flavoring Agent**: Celery extracts can be used in food production to enhance the flavor of sauces, gravies, or packaged foods.
        • **Health Supplements**: Celery extracts are sometimes used in supplements for their potential health benefits, such as anti-inflammatory properties.

   6. **Celery-Based Snacks**

      • **Application**: Dried celery can be used as a primary ingredient in vegetable-based snacks and energy bars.
      • use:
        • **Vegetable Chips**: Dried celery can be ground or rehydrated and then baked or fried to create vegetable chips or crispy snack mixes.
        • **Celery Energy Bars**: Rehydrated celery can be combined with other dried vegetables or fruits to create healthy and flavorful energy bars or granola.

   7. **Animal Feed**

      • **Application**: Celery is sometimes used as part of animal feed, particularly for herbivores.
      • use:
        • **Pet Food**: Dried celery can be added to dog food or treats as a source of fiber and flavor.
        • **Livestock**: It can be incorporated into the feed for animals like rabbits or guinea pigs, which benefit from high-fiber plant materials.

   8. **Natural Food Coloring**

      • **Application**: Celery has a mild green color that can be used as a natural food coloring, particularly in vegetable-based products.
      • use:
        • **Natural Food Colors**: After extracting pigments, dried celery can be used to create a natural green color for products like pasta, confectionery, or candy.

   9. **In Cosmetics and Personal Care Products**

      • **Application**: Dried celery can be converted into extracts or essences that are used in personal care products.
      • use:
        • **Skincare**: Celery contains antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds that may be used in lotions, creams, or serums.
        • **Aromatherapy**: Although celery essence is not as common as other herbal extracts, it can be used in specialty products aimed at promoting health or supporting digestion.