You can do a whole lot with celery greens, and once you realize how useful they are, you’ll never toss them in the trash again.
Celery greens are the leafy tops that grow above the stalks you usually chop into soups and salads.
Most people snap them off and throw them away without a second thought.
But those leafy tops are packed with flavor and can be used in more ways than you might expect.
So if you’ve been wondering what you can do with celery greens, you’re in the right place.
In this post, we’ll go over the best ways to use celery greens in your kitchen, from soups to pesto to seasoning blends.
Let’s get into it.
What You Can Do With Celery Greens in the Kitchen
There are so many things you can do with celery greens once you know how to treat them.
They’re not just a garnish or a throwaway item.
Here are some of the best uses for celery greens.
1. Toss Them Into Soups and Stocks
One of the easiest things you can do with celery greens is drop them into soups and stocks.
They add a mild, earthy celery flavor that deepens the broth without overpowering it.
Just chop them up and add them near the end of cooking so they keep some of their brightness.
This is a great way to use celery greens if you’re already making a pot of chicken soup or vegetable stock.
2. Blend Them Into Pesto
You can also do a lot with celery greens by turning them into pesto.
Swap out some of the basil for celery greens, or use them entirely on their own.
Blend celery greens with garlic, nuts, olive oil, and a little Parmesan for a fresh, peppery sauce.
This is one of those things you can do with celery greens that surprises people because they never think of it.
Spread it on toast, toss it with pasta, or drizzle it over roasted vegetables.
3. Use Them as a Salad Green
If you’re wondering what else you can do with celery greens, try using them raw in salads.
The leaves are tender and have a clean, slightly bitter taste that pairs well with citrus and vinaigrettes.
Chop them up and mix them with lettuce, arugula, or spinach for a more interesting bowl of greens.
You can do this with celery greens from either the inner stalks or the outer ones, though the inner leaves are usually milder.
4. Dry and Grind Them Into Seasoning
Another thing you can do with celery greens is dry them and turn them into a seasoning powder.
Lay the leaves out on a baking sheet and let them dry in a low oven or dehydrator.
Once they’re completely dry, grind them up and store the powder in a jar.
This is a smart way to use celery greens because the powder lasts for months and works like celery salt without the sodium.
Sprinkle it on eggs, potatoes, popcorn, or anything that could use a savory boost.
Other Ways to Use Celery Greens Around the House
The usefulness of celery greens doesn’t stop in the kitchen.
You can do a few other clever things with celery greens that go beyond cooking.
Here are some ideas.
1. Make a Refreshing Infused Water
You can do something refreshing with celery greens by adding them to a pitcher of water.
Drop a handful of leaves into cold water with lemon slices and cucumber.
Let it sit in the fridge for a few hours.
The result is a light, spa-style drink that tastes clean and crisp.
This is a simple thing you can do with celery greens when you want something hydrating and different.
2. Add Them to Smoothies
If you’re into green smoothies, you can do a lot with celery greens by blending them in.
They add vitamins and a subtle savory note that balances out sweet fruits like bananas and mangoes.
Just toss a small handful in with your usual ingredients.
It’s an easy way to use celery greens without changing the flavor too much.
3. Freeze Them for Later
One of the most practical things you can do with celery greens is freeze them.
Chop the leaves and pack them into ice cube trays with a little water or broth.
Once frozen, pop the cubes out and store them in a freezer bag.
Then, anytime you need a flavor boost, just drop a cube into a hot pan or pot.
This is a great way to use celery greens so nothing goes to waste.
Are Celery Greens Safe to Eat?
Celery greens are perfectly safe to eat and are actually quite nutritious.
They contain vitamins A, C, and K, along with fiber and antioxidants.
The only thing to watch out for is pesticides, so give them a good rinse before using them.
If you buy organic celery, even better.
But there’s no reason to avoid celery greens.
They’re just as edible as the stalks, and some people think they taste even better.
So, What Can You Do With Celery Greens?
You can do quite a lot with celery greens, and now you have a full list of ideas to try.
From soups and pesto to seasoning powder and infused water, celery greens are far more useful than most people give them credit for.
The next time you bring home a bunch of celery, don’t toss the tops.
Instead, think about everything you can do with celery greens and put them to work in your kitchen.
You’ll save money, reduce waste, and add flavor to your meals at the same time.
So go ahead and give celery greens a chance.
You might be surprised at how much you can do with celery greens once you start looking at them as an ingredient instead of garbage.