Chinese Celery Seeds

Chinese celery is a smaller version of the celery in Western markets, but its flavor is quite a bit stronger. The crisp, hollow stems of some varieties are light green, while others can be dark green or white. The leaves are typically jagged on the edges. Indispensable to many Asian soups or stews, Chinese celery is one of the most commonly grown vegetables in China. The entire plant is used, either fresh or dried. Add leaves and stalks to flavor vegetable or meat soups, or use them in a stir-fry. In China, celery is sometimes served as a dish by itself, stir-fried with a little soy sauce and sugar. The flavor may be a little too strong raw in a fresh green salad. Try it in small amounts at first.