The Simple Trick To Get Rid Of Annoying Celery Strings

Celery is a crunchy and refreshing vegetable that has become a staple in many kitchens. It's perfect for snacking on with some hummus or adding to soups and salads. However, there is one aspect of celery that can be off-putting to some people: the strings. These thin, fibrous strands that run along the exterior length of the celery stalk can be tough to chew and not very appetizing. But fear not, there is an easy way to remove them making celery far more enjoyable to eat.

But, let's talk about what these strings are. The strings in celery are actually bundles of celery fibers, which are long, narrow cells that provide structural support to the plant. These fibers are what give celery its crunch, but they can also be tough and stringy. If you've ever bitten into a piece of celery and felt like you were flossing your teeth, that's the fibers you are experiencing.

So, how do you remove them? You can use a knife to peel them off, but this can be time-consuming and not very efficient. Instead, there is a kitchen tool you likely already have that can make the job faster and easier.

Use a Y-shaped vegetable peeler instead

If you're trying to get rid of those annoying celery strings, reach for the Y-shaped vegetable peeler in your kitchen drawer. This tool is specifically designed to remove the strings from celery and other fibrous vegetables like asparagus.

Simply hold the celery stalk with one hand and use the peeler to scrape away the strings with the other hand, working from the top of the stalk down to the end. You may need to go over the stalk a few times to get all the strings, but with a little practice, you'll become a pro. Using a Y-shaped peeler not only removes the strings more easily but also wastes less of the celery stalk compared to using a knife. 

Removing the strings from celery is annoying, but it's an important step in preparing this delicious and nutritious vegetable. So, the next time you're preparing celery for a recipe or snack, remember to grab your Y-shaped peeler and say goodbye to those pesky strings.