Here's What You Need To Know About Celery Salt

Celery salt is one of those seasonings you probably bought when a chili recipe called for it or your favorite Bloody Mary may use it to add a little zing. But what is it and why would you want it in your spice pantry arsenal? Celery salt is pretty simple. It's made of just two ingredients: salt and celery seed. But don't mistake its simplicity for how it can up your flavor game, turning some of your favorite recipes into the envy of every guest you serve it to. Celery salt can be used to create your own KFC style spice for your chicken and is an important ingredient is seafood lover's Old Bay Spice. Celery salt can be a game-changer when you are looking for a way to enhance the flavor of some of your go-to meals, and here is what you need to know about this seasoning.

Wide Open Eats describes the flavor of the celery seed as a little "grassy and spicy" and when coupled with the salt, it packs quite the punch for your taste buds. Additionally, they suggest you can use this seasoning as a substitute for any dish in which the recipe requires celery. McCormick Seasoning suggests using celery salt in your coleslaw, deviled egg potato salad, or add it to your roast meats. But it can also be used in a surprising meal. What is it?

The Spruce Eats notes celery salt is an essential element when building the ultimate sports fan's food: the Chicago hot dog. After you've loaded up your dog with the customary condiments of this dish – yellow mustard, neon relish, onions, tomato, pickle spear, and peppers – a dash of celery salt adds a mouthwatering element. But they also warn that if you've had your shaker of celery salt for more than six months, you might want to dispose of it, because it has probably gone stale and lost the strength of its flavor. 

The site also notes you can make your own if you are into the DIY movement. Simply take a tablespoon of whole celery seed and grind it up using a mortar and pestle. Add two tablespoons of Kosher salt and mix it up. It doesn't get much easier than that. However, if you prefer, you can skip grinding the seeds and keep them whole. This will extend the shelf life of your homemade celery salt. Just be sure to store it in an airtight container. Celery salt can add a lot of flavor to any dish, but beware: a small amount contains quite a bit of sodium. In fact, per Eat This Much, one teaspoon of McCormick Celery Salt contains 1160 milligrams, which is 49 percent of the daily recommended amount.