The best substitutes for celery root

There are several ways to use celery root in your recipes. You can grate it into salads, make a creamy soup with pureed celery root, or roast it with other vegetables.

But what happens when your recipe calls for celery root and you can’t find it at your local market? Can it be substituted?

What are the best substitutes for celery root? Celery root can be substituted with other vegetables, such as parsley root, parsnips, turnips, carrots, daikon radishes, jicama, fennel bulb, and chopped celery. 

Read on to learn more about the best celery root substitutes.

The best substitutes for celery root

Celery root, also known as lovage, is one of the most underrated vegetables around, and while it may not be the most aesthetically pleasing, it’s packed with flavor and nutrients.

Some people believe that celery root is celery root, but this is not so. Celery root and celery are members of the same family, but they are two different vegetables.

It has an impressive nutrient profile and is loaded with essential vitamins and minerals. Its flavor is quite sweet and creamy and it can be eaten both cooked and raw.

Although celery root is sometimes hard to find at your local store, depending on where you live, we’re willing to bet you’ll have at least one of these substitutes listed below!

1. Parsley root

Parsley root is the root of the fragrant parsley herb that we all love to use for garnishing and flavoring. It closely resembles a parsnip (another great celery root substitute) because of its conical shape, off-white color, and rough texture.

It is aromatic with a strong flavor, often compared to a combination of celery root, parsley, and carrot. When eaten raw, it is crisp and tender, and when cooked, it becomes smooth and creamy.

Parsley root is a great substitute for celery root by providing a similar texture and color.  Taste-wise, while not exactly the same, it provides a similar flavor profile to celery root with added hints of parsley, carrot, and potato.

For a slightly stronger celery flavor, you can add some celery seeds or celery salt to your recipe.

2. Parsnip

Similar in flavor to celery, parsnips are a great substitute for celery root, though their herbal aroma is a bit stronger.

They are rich in vitamins C and E and help strengthen the immune system. They resemble white carrots and have a smooth, light texture.

As for flavor, when cooked, parsnips are slightly sweeter than celery roots, so you should adjust the amount of sugar in your dish accordingly.

They are a great alternative to celery root when preparing stews, soups, and salads. Just make sure to adjust the ratio of parsnips to celery root when you substitute them.

3. Turnips

Turnips are a common vegetable that is very easily found in most grocery stores. They are apple-sized root vegetables with a firm texture and crunchy appearance.

They have a sweet and spicy flavor, similar to radishes, and are a great alternative to celery root for their flavor and versatility.

Loaded with fiber and essential vitamins and minerals, turnips can be cooked, stewed, simmered, roasted, sautéed, pureed, as well as eaten raw.

4. Carrots

Carrots are a very popular cooking ingredient that is not only easy to buy but is loaded with vital nutrients.

They taste sweet when cooked, similar to celery root, and both also share a similar texture.

If your recipe doesn’t care for the orange color of carrots, they can be easily and very successfully substituted for celery root in stews and soups.

They are also a great option for salads if you are looking for something crunchy.

However, if you want to add a nice aroma and a little more earthy flavor, you can add some celery, celery seed, celery salt, or parsley to your recipe.

5. Daikon Radishes

Daikon radishes, also called Japanese radishes or mooli, look like large white carrots and, unlike regular radishes, are less pungent in flavor and offer a milder alternative.

They are excellent substitutes for celery root, especially when preparing roast meat, and can be enjoyed both cooked and raw. 

Daikon radishes have a high concentration of enzymes that aid in the digestion of starch and fat. They also contain large amounts of vitamin C, potassium, and phosphorus.

Like carrots, daikon radishes are not very aromatic and lack a celery root-like odor. If you want to increase the aroma of your dish, you can combine them with celery or coriander.

6. Jicama

Jicama is a not-so-common root vegetable, but it’s a great substitute for celery root nonetheless. It is also called yam bean, Mexican turnip, or Mexican potato, and has a mild, sweet flavor.

Nothing can beat jicama as a substitute for celery root, especially when it comes to salads.  It is usually eaten raw and is incredibly crunchy and juicy.

You can also cook it if you want, although in that case, make sure you only cook it for a short time so that it retains its crunchy texture.

Often described as a sweeter, juicier version of the potato, jicama is rich in vitamins, minerals, and fiber, and is known to be low in calories and very low on the glycemic index.

7. Fennel bulb

The fennel bulb is the white base of the fennel stalk, with light, feathery leaves resembling dill . It has a crunchy texture and a fresh, aromatic flavor that most people describe as “anise-flavored.”

It has a celery-like odor when raw and can be eaten in a variety of ways. A great substitute for celery root, fennel bulb can be sautéed, roasted, and added to soups and salads.

With a low caloric content and a high nutrient profile, fennel bulb is a healthy addition to your daily meals.

One important thing to note is that since fennel bulb is softer and cooks faster than celery root, when using it as a substitute for celery root, be sure to shorten the cooking time or add the fennel bulb to your plate later, when almost done, to prevent it from being mushy.

8. Chopped celery

Despite belonging to the same plant family, celery and celery root are actually more different than celery root and parsley root.

With broad green parsley-like leaves and a thick, juicy stalk, celery is a milder substitute for celery root and has an earthy, plant-like flavor.

Celery is watery; therefore, you may need to add a thickener to your dish when using it in place of celery root.  You can use potatoes, parsnips, carrots, parsley roots, or even a little cornstarch with the chopped celery for a thicker consistency.

Related questions

Let’s get to the root of the remaining questions you may have about celery root.

What is the best way to store celery root?

There are several ways to store celery root so it doesn’t spoil and you can use it in your recipes.

You should start by preparing the celery root by cutting off the leaves and roots and gently brushing off any dirt. Please do not wash it before storage to avoid discoloration.

Next, put the celery root in a plastic bag and store it in the vegetable compartment of the fridge so that it stays fresh for longer.

If you have a large celery root, cut off the amount needed and wash, peel and use in your dish. Store the remaining part in the fridge to use later.

How long does celery root last in the fridge?

If proper storage procedures are followed, celery root can last in the fridge for 10-14 days .

If you store it in the fridge without a plastic bag, its shelf life will decrease to only 3-4 days and the celery root will be more prone to discoloration.

It would help to prolong its life if the celery root is removed from the refrigerator only when it is ready to be used. The same goes for washing.

Celery root is difficult to store once cut, as it oxidizes more quickly. Therefore, as a general rule, try to use the remaining portion as soon as possible.

Can celery root be frozen?

Celery root doesn’t freeze well , though it may be tempting to try, especially when it’s not commercially available.

Frozen celery root will not taste the same when thawed and cooked. Therefore, it is best to use fresh celery root or opt for one of the many substitutes mentioned above.

Does celery root go bad?

Celery root, like any other fresh product, is perishable and will spoil within a few days , especially if it is not stored properly or was not fresh to begin with.

Some of the most common signs to look out for when storing celery root for a long period of time are a slimy, mushy texture, an odd odor, and some discoloration.

It is best to discard the celery root as soon as you notice any of these signs.