Spice | Vegan Vegetarian Gluten Free

Celery Seeds

Apium graveolens Allergens: Celery
celery seeds

Sourcing & Taxonomy

  • Family Apiaceae
  • Primary Cuisine European, Indian, American
  • Seasonality Year-Round (dried spice)
  • Source Celery plant (Apium graveolens)

The Forktionary Angle

"Small but mighty, delivering an unexpected depth of savory herbaceousness."

Definition

Tiny, dark brown seeds from the wild celery plant, used as a spice for their intense, savory, slightly bitter celery-like flavor.

Sensory Profile

TasteEarthy, Savory, Slightly bitter, Pungent
TextureCrunchy, Powdery
AromaIntense celery, Grassy, Earthy
AcidityLow

Technical Metrics

Flavor Intensity

One teaspoon of celery seeds can provide the flavor equivalent of several stalks of celery.

Shelf Life (Whole)

Up to 3-4 years when stored in an airtight container away from light and heat.

Usage in Pickling

A cornerstone ingredient in over 60% of traditional pickling spice blends.

Nutrition Facts

Per 2g (1 tsp)
Calories480 kcal
Total Fat26 g
Saturated Fat0.5 g
Trans Fat0 g
Cholesterol0 mg
Protein18 g
Total Carbohydrate50 g
Dietary Fiber18 g
Total Sugars0 g
Calcium1800 mg
Iron44 mg
Potassium1400 mg

Chef’s Secret

Toasting celery seeds lightly in a dry pan before grinding or adding to dishes enhances their nutty, savory notes and mellows their bitterness, bringing out a richer flavor.

Substitutions

Best Match

Ground Celery Seed

0.5:1

Use less due to concentrated flavor; integrates better.

Celery Salt

To taste (adjust for salt)

Good for flavor, but introduces salt, so adjust recipe.

Fresh Celery (finely minced)

To taste (more volume)

Provides fresh celery flavor and crunch, but not as concentrated.

Dill Seed

0.5:1

Similar herbal, slightly bitter notes, especially in pickling.

Buying Guide

Buy whole seeds for maximum freshness and grind as needed. Store in airtight container.

Flavor Pairings

Coleslaw Pickles Tuna Salad Potato Salad Bloody Marys Sausage

Recipes Using Celery Seeds

One Dish Meal Main Ingredient Preparation Winter

A Chicken In Every Pot Pie

This easy chicken pot pie recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, even for picky eaters! Flaky biscuit topping and tender chicken make this a comforting and delicious meal the whole family will adore. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.

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Meat Northeastern United States Time To Make Occasion

A Little Bit Of Heaven In Coney Island Hot Dog Sauce

Craving the legendary Coney Island hot dog experience? This Mountaineer-style recipe delivers the rich, savory sauce of your dreams! A slow-simmered masterpiece packed with flavor, perfect for topping your favorite hot dogs. Get ready for a taste of heaven!

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Herb And Spice Mixes Main Ingredient Side Dishes 3 Steps Or Less

Almond Rice Mix

Surprise your loved ones with this heartwarming Almond Rice Mix, a perfect homemade gift! This creamy and nutty recipe is surprisingly easy to make and offers a comforting, flavorful dish. Perfect for a cozy night in or a thoughtful present, this recipe is sure to impress.

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Cuisine Appetizers Dips To Go

Alpine Village House Seasoned Cottage Cheese

Recreate the legendary Alpine Village House seasoned cottage cheese! This recipe, inspired by a Las Vegas newspaper article, delivers a creamy, flavorful dip perfect for veggie sticks or as a unique condiment. A secret menu item resurrected, this recipe is surprisingly easy to make and incredibly addictive. Enjoy the cool, creamy texture and savory depth of flavor – a taste of culinary history.

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Stove Top Picnic Presentation Potluck

Amish Cole Slaw

Craving Primanti Bros coleslaw? This Amish-inspired recipe is the closest copycat you'll find! Tangy, crunchy, and incredibly addictive, this slaw is perfect for BBQs, sandwiches, or as a side dish. Made with simple ingredients and a quick cooking process (plus overnight chilling for maximum flavor!), this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Get ready to experience coleslaw perfection!

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Main Ingredient Easy Main Dish Preparation

Aunt Irene's Chicken And Macaroni

This comforting Chicken and Macaroni casserole is a family favorite, perfect for a weeknight dinner or a potluck! Made with tender chicken, creamy macaroni, and a touch of celery seed, this recipe is easy to prepare ahead of time. Simply assemble the night before, refrigerate, and bake for a delicious and satisfying meal. Get ready to enjoy this crowd-pleasing dish – it's been a hit in our house ever since my sister-in-law made it for me after surgery!

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Stove Top Time To Make German Equipment

Awesome Sweet And Sour Kraut

Craving a vibrant and tangy side dish or a unique twist on sauerkraut? This homemade Sweet and Sour Kraut recipe is bursting with flavor! Featuring sweet-tart apples like Gala or Braeburn, this recipe is incredibly versatile – enjoy it hot or cold, anytime, anywhere! Perfect as a complement to grilled meats, sausages, or simply as a delicious standalone side. Get ready to impress your taste buds!

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Bacon Salads Eggs Time To Make

Bacon N Egg Salad Sandwiches

Elevate your breakfast or brunch with these decadent Bacon & Egg Salad Croissant Sandwiches! A Taste of Home 2010 contest winner, this recipe from Jane Ozment of Purcell, Oklahoma, features creamy egg salad infused with crispy bacon and served on buttery croissants (or your favorite bread!). Prepare to be amazed by this over-the-top deliciousness.

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Dietary Main Ingredient Time To Make Cuisine

Baked Buffalo Chicken Breasts

Juicy, tender baked buffalo chicken breasts – all the flavor of your favorite wings, without the fuss! This easy recipe delivers crispy skin and perfectly spiced chicken in just 40 minutes. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or game day!

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Course Main Ingredient Course Poultry

Baked Chicken Breast Supreme

Elevate your weeknight dinner with this incredibly juicy and flavorful Baked Chicken Breast Supreme! Marinated overnight in a tangy sour cream and lemon mixture, then coated in crispy breadcrumbs, this recipe delivers unbelievably tender chicken that's bursting with flavor. The secret? Perfectly dried breadcrumbs for a golden-brown, crunchy coating that won't get soggy. Prepare ahead – the overnight marinade is key to achieving that melt-in-your-mouth texture. Get ready for a restaurant-quality chicken dish that's surprisingly easy to make!

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Cuisine Time To Make Occasion Course

Barbecued Roast Beef

Fall-off-the-bone tender, intensely flavorful barbecued roast beef, perfect for a crowd-pleasing social gathering or a special family dinner! This hands-off recipe lets you enjoy your party while a stunningly delicious roast cooks low and slow in the oven. The rich aroma alone will have your guests salivating. Serve with your favorite salad, crusty rolls, and a refreshing drink. Leftovers? Highly unlikely! (If you can't find ketjap manis, see recipe #39318.)

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Main Ingredient Preparation Poultry Course

Bbq Chicken Sandwiches

Cozy up to these incredibly juicy and flavorful BBQ chicken sandwiches, perfect for chilly evenings and exciting sports weekends! Slow-cooked to perfection in a crockpot, the chicken is incredibly tender and boasts a rich, smoky BBQ flavor. This family-favorite recipe is easy to make and guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.

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Meat Stews Meat Main Ingredient

Beef Stew With Mustard Dumplings

A hearty and flavorful beef stew, simmered to perfection and topped with fluffy mustard dumplings. This recipe, inspired by Penzeys Spices, is a comforting classic perfect for a chilly evening. The rich beef stew is enhanced with aromatic herbs and spices, while the subtly tangy mustard dumplings add a delightful textural contrast. Get ready for a taste sensation!

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Salads Preparation Course Vegetables

Best Low Carb Coleslaw

This incredibly easy low-carb coleslaw tastes SO good, it fooled my husband into thinking it was from KFC – only better! A creamy, tangy delight, this recipe is ready in minutes and pairs perfectly with grilled meats, corned beef, or juicy hamburgers. Ditch the high-carb sides and give this addictive recipe a try!

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Time To Make Elbow Macaroni Pasta Rice And Grains Pasta

Best Macaroni Salad

This creamy macaroni salad recipe is a crowd-pleaser, easily customizable to your taste! The classic combo of macaroni and creamy dressing is the star, but feel free to experiment with add-ins like tuna, radishes, scallions, or anything your heart desires. This recipe provides a flexible base for your perfect macaroni salad. Prep time includes cooking the pasta; chill for at least 30 minutes for best results.

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30 Minutes Or Less Time To Make Preparation 3 Steps Or Less

Best Ever Potato Soup

Warm up with this incredibly creamy and flavorful potato soup! Loaded with bacon, potatoes, and a touch of cheese, it's the ultimate comfort food for chilly evenings. Easy to make and ready in under an hour, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekend gatherings. #potatosoup #souprecipe #comfortfood #easyrecipe #bacon #cheesysoup #coldweatherrecipe

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Inexpensive Potatoes Course North American

Hash Browns Soup

Warm up with this unbelievably creamy and comforting Hash Brown Soup! Perfectly seasoned with savory ham and bacon, this easy recipe is ready in under an hour. A delicious and satisfying meal for a chilly evening.

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Picnic Elbow Macaroni American Independence Day

Sweet Amish Macaroni Salad Done My Way

Craving a sweet and creamy macaroni salad with a unique twist? This recipe takes inspiration from classic Amish macaroni salad, adding my own delicious spin! Perfect for potlucks, barbecues, or a weeknight side dish, this recipe is easy to follow and sure to be a crowd-pleaser. While traditional recipes call for a lot of eggs, this version uses just enough to satisfy even the most dedicated egg-lover. Get ready for a burst of sweet and savory flavors that will leave everyone wanting more!

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