Natalie Jacewicz wrote that it’s kind of weird that celery is even a thing:

• Celery is an awful source of calories and is largely tasteless which doesn’t really explain why farmers in the past bothered to cultivate it.
• Moreover, most of the family of vegetables that celery belongs to is incredibly poisonous, making it a big risk for unclear gain.
• Its appeal may, in part, have been its aroma.
• In countries like Egypt, Rome, and China people also came to believe that it could be used to help cure hangovers, or as an aphrodisiac.
• Its distinctive…leafiness may also have been a draw. In Tutankhamun’s tomb a wreath made of celery was found.
• And it could have been an effective garnish to make otherwise simple meals seem bigger and fancier.
• Celery also produces a very satisfying crunch that might have drawn early farmers.

Read other musings about celery here.

Source: NPR