What’s a Good Celery Salt Substitute?

Celery salt is produced from crushed celery seeds and salt. It’s a classic food ingredient used in savory meals to give an additional layer of taste. If you are looking for a celery salt substitute, then you are at the right place.

As the name suggests, celery salt gives savory meals a salt, celery-like flavor that enhances the overall flavor profile. This makes it a common condiment in many kitchens. Even though celery salt is frequently cited as a flavor enhancer in recipes, its flavor is quite understated.

In this article, we’ll explore all the options regarding what makes an ideal substitution for celery salt and when.

What is Celery Salt?

Typically, a combination of regular table salt and powdered celery seeds makes celery salt. However, it occasionally also comprises dried and ground celery stalk and leaves. To make celery salt, the celery is crushed and combined with salt at a ratio of about 2:1.

The seasoning is said to have a somewhat bitter aftertaste and earthy, grassy flavor. It also has a mild peppery bite. Like celery, celery salt has a unique flavor that is unmistakably its own.

For most recipes, you can add an additional layer of flavor and delicate seasoning by replacing regular salt with celery salt. Celery’s distinctive flavor pairs exceptionally well with meals that contain onions, garlic, or carrots.

Celery salt also works well as a garnish. Add celery salt before serving for an additional taste boost. For a fresh flavor and aroma, sprinkle it over hot French fries or warm garlic bread.

Substitutes for Celery Salt

Don’t panic if the occasion requires celery salt and you don’t have enough on hand. You can substitute celery salt with various ingredients in a recipe. Here are some options.

1. Salt

You may always omit the celery salt and use your saltshaker if you’re in a pinch and can’t find any. Naturally, celery’s earthy, green qualities won’t be present, but regular salt will work just fine.

Just use ordinary salt this time when you’ve had a difficult day at the office and don’t want to go to the store. Mix salt with pepper to create a flavor resembling celery salt, and add some peppery undertones.

2. Salt With Celery Seeds

This is an excellent time to make your own spice blend if you have celery seeds but no celery salt in your spice rack. The celery seeds should be ground up in a grinder or a mortar and pestle before being combined with salt. 

One advantage of making your own celery salt is that it will be at its freshest because, unlike store-bought bottles, it hasn’t been sitting on shelves for a while. The objective is to grind the celery seeds into a fine powder to resemble salt in terms of size and feel.

The ratio of one spoonful of celery to every two tablespoons of salt is ideal.

3. Powdered Celery

There is good news if you search through your spice cabinet and discover a canister of celery powder. Celery powder has a softer flavor than the seeds, which are more robust and flavorful. However, it still works well as a celery salt alternative.

Some types of celery powder are manufactured from powdered celery seeds. Others are prepared from celery juice. Due to its nitrate content, celery powder is excellent for meat rubs and curing meat. 

The ratio for substituting celery powder for celery salt is 3:1, or 3 teaspoons to 1 teaspoon if you prefer a precise measurement.

4. Celery Seeds

Celery seeds, which are typically harvested from wild celery, are also available in the spice aisle. And they’re a common seasoning for savory recipes. Celery seeds are small, resemble poppy seeds in color, and have an earthy, occasionally somewhat bitter flavor.

Wild celery seeds are thought to have a richer flavor than the regular kind of celery seeds. The seeds can either be used whole or ground up before being added to a dish.

The ratio is 1:1 when replacing celery seed with celery salt.

5. Lovage 

Lovage is a member of the Apiaceae, or celery family. Celery and lovage aren’t the same, despite having similarities. It occasionally tastes like a blend of anise and parsley and has undertones of lemon.

Compared to celery seeds, lovage seeds have a richer flavor. In addition, dried lovage leaves can be used in place of the seeds.

Conclusion

If you’re looking for a taste-similar Celery Salt substitute, you can go ahead to make your homemade version. Otherwise, you can choose one of the other options for something slightly different in flavor.