Celery Seeds

Celery Seeds are the seed of the smallage plant (Apium graveolens), also known as wild celery. Celery seed is used to flavor pickles and some stews and salads. The seed has a very strong flavor so it should be used sparingly.  Most of the celery seed comes from India although there is some U.S. production as well.

The seeds (and the plants) can be confused with lovage seed which has a similar flavor (with notes of anise) but the seed is much larger.  Lovage seed is not sold as "celery seed".

Where To Buy Celery Seeds

This is a very common grocery store item so you should find it at you local grocery store.  Some stores like Whole Foods sell it in bulk so if you just need a little (or a lot) that is an economical way to go.

If you don't have celery seed you can substitute per teaspoon needed:

• 1 teaspoon Celery salt (reduce salt in recipe by 1/2 teaspoon)
• OR - 3 tablespoons minced celery tops
• OR - 3 tablespoons chopped flat-leaf parsley
• OR -  1 teaspoon of dill seed