How to Peel and Cut Celery Root

Discover the best techniques how to peel and cut celery root with our helpful guide. Perfect for adding to salads, soups, stews, and more.

Jump to:

• What is celery root?
• How to peel celery root
• How to cut the celery root
• How to use celeriac?
• Herbs and spices
• Tips and tricks
• Can I freeze celery root?
• Frequently asked questions
• Recipe
• Reviews

What is celery root?

Celery root, also known as celeriac, is the type of root vegetable that is closely related to celery, but it is grown specifically for its root. It is not the same plant as regular green celery stalks we buy in grocery stores. 

Celery root has a round shape and usually weighs around 1-2 pounds. It has a rough, knobby, brown exterior and a creamy white interior. The tough skin is edible but needs to be peeled. 

The Celeriac flavor is similar to the green celery stalk, but it is more nutty and earthy. It reminds me of a mild radish. 

The root’s texture changes depending on whether it is raw or cooked. Raw celery root is crunchy, slightly fibrous, and firm, similar to a turnip. 

When cooked, celeriac becomes softer and tender. You can easily mash it into a puree.

Celery root is a good source of fiber, Vitamins B, K, and C. 

How to peel celery root

Due to its shape and rough exterior, it can be hard to peel the celery root. I tried to use a vegetable peeler, but it did not work very well as the skin is too bumpy and tough. That’s why you need a chef’s knife and a cutting board to peel the celery root. 

Below are step-by-step directions with images of how to peel celeriac: 

Step 1: Rinse and scrub celeriac under cold water to remove any dirt and debris. 

Step 2: Using a sharp knife, trim off both the top and bottom ends of the root.

Step 3: Stand the celery root uptight on one of its flat ends on a cutting board. Use a sharp knife to carefully slice off the thick skin in strips, following the shape of the vegetable. Continue rotating and slicing until all the skin is removed. Cut out any visible bumps or dark spots you may have missed. 

Step 4: Rinse peeled celeriac once more time to remove any peels or dirt. Now you can cut the root. 

How to cut the celery root

Depending on the recipe and the cooking method, you can cube, julienne, slice, or shred celery root. You will need a cutting board, knife, and a grater box (for shredding)

Cube

1. Cut the celery root in half, vertically.
2. Place one of the halves and place it flat-side down on the cutting board. Cut it into slices, about ½ inch thick. You can make large or small cubes.
3. Stack 3-5 slices on top of each other and cut them into the same thickness sticks.
4. Turn the strips perpendicular to your knife, and cut across them into cubes. Repeat the process with the other half.

Julienne

1. cut the peeled celery root in half. Place one of the halves and place it flat-side down on a cutting board.
2. Cut celery into slices that are about ⅛ inch thick. Thin and as even as possible.
3. Stack them up and slice them into strips that are about ⅛ inch wide. Repeat with the other half.

Slice

1. You can slice the celery into large or smaller slices.
2. For large slices, place the whole peeled root on a cutting board and cut it crosswise into thin, even slices that are about ¼ inch thick.
3. To make them smaller, cut the root in half or quarter it before slicing.

Grate/shred

You can use a box grater or a food processor to grate the root. 

1. Pick a smaller or larger shred size on your box grater. 
2. Cut the peeled root in half so it is easier to hold it. 
3. Shred the celery root against the grater in a downward motion. Be sure to watch your fingers. 
4. Once you have a small chunk left, discard it or chop it into small pieces. 

How to use celeriac?

My favorite way to enjoy Celeriac is in the form of a salad. It crispy and fresh when raw, and has a soft tender texture when steamed.

Try our Céleri Rémoulade salad, made with raw julienned celery root, or German celery salad, which is made with boiled cubed celeriac.

You can also add celeriac to soups, stews or roast it in the oven to serve it as a side dish.

It can make a great alternative to mashed potatoes.

Herbs and spices

Celery root has a slightly sweet taste and earthy flavor. It pairs well with a variety of spices and herbs, but also is good as it with just a sprinkle of salt:

• Thyme
• Dried or fresh parsley
• Cumin
• Sage
• Black or white pepper

Tips and tricks

• store whole unpeeled celery root in the fridge for up to 2 weeks. Once you wash it, it is advised to peel and consume it within 3-4 days.
• rinse the root before and after peeling.
• you can use the peels to make vegetable stock.
• squeeze some lemon juice on top of the peeled celery root to prevent it from browning.
• you can store peeled celery roots in a plastic bag or air-tight container for about 3 days.

Can I freeze celery root?

Celery root can be frozen when prepared properly. First, wash and peel the celery root. Cut it into cubes. Blanch cubed celeriac in hot water for about 5 minutes.

Drain and let it dry, or use some towels to pat it dry.

Once it cools down, transfer it to a freezer-safe bag or container and freeze it for up to 3 months.

To defrost it, place it on the bottom shelf of your refrigerator overnight.

Once it thaws, consume within a few days.

Frequently asked questions

Recipe