Celery capital of the world

March is National Celery Month




Arvada was once known as the Celery Capital of the World!



Celery is eaten around the world as a vegetable. It’s related to carrots, fennel and parsley and can be enjoyed fresh or cooked in a meal. Per serving, the crunchy vegetable has 16 calories. It’s a good source of fiber, potassium and vitamins A and C. Even though celery is not technically a superfood, its anti-inflammatory qualities are a perfect complement to a healthy diet. Some believe celery has pain-relieving qualities, and studies show that celery juice can significantly reduce hypertension.

Even though celery is no longer grown in area, Arvada’s history includes being known as an agricultural hub due to its fertile soil. In the late 1800s, Arvada farmers grew corn, plums, cherries, melons, wheat and celery. In the early 1900s, the pascal celery grown in the city was regularly served at the White House during holiday meals, making Arvada the “Celery Capital of the World” at the time.

Need a great way to celebrate? Make ants on a log today! When you’re picking up celery, raisins and peanut butter at the store, buy a few extra items and drop them by Community Table on your way ho

Celery-Mania: How Kalamazoo, Michigan Became Known as “Celery City,” 1900s


Anyone recall this? For those of us too young to remember, yes...Kalamazoo was indeed “Celery City”. Thousands of acres of land stretching out from north Kalamazoo through Comstock and down into the Portage area were perfect for celery farming.

During the Ice Age, a glacier hitchhiked down through Michigan and took a breather in the upper part of what is now Kalamazoo County. Without going into too much detail, this caused acres and acres of muck that contained rich soil, perfect for growing celery.


All fine and good, but who thought of growing celery in the first place?


One story says it was George Taylor who came here from Scotland, bringing with him celery seeds. He planted them in the muck and up sprung the stalks. After hearing about a ball that was to be held and attended by the area's upper crust, he offered his celery free of charge to the banquet hall if they put it on the menu. They did, and the crowd went wild for the celery.

From there, the rest of the public caught on and soon celery-mania spread through Kalamazoo. According to the
Kalamazoo Public Library
, other i


Celery



Sanford wasn't always known as the "Celery City". The origins of Sanford's connection to celery farming began on December 26, 1894, when a freeze damaged the area's citrus groves. They began to recover during a warm and wet January which promoted new shoots, but a second freeze hit on February 7, 1895, practically wiping them out. The 24 degree temperature was the coldest known in Florida to that point. The freeze was so intense that the sap froze inside the trunks, many of which split open, sounding like gunshots, and crashed to the ground. The population quickly dropped from 5000 to 2000 as the groves were abandoned.





I. H. Terwilliger stayed after the freezes and is reputed to have planted the first celery grown in Sanford in 1896. J.N. Whitner and B.F. Whitner Sr. planted 3/4 acre in 1897 with celery imported from Kalamazoo, Michigan. By 1898, celery became the crop synonomus to Sanford.





Postcard of a Sanford Celery farm in operation along the shore of Lake Monroe. The Steamboat Jacksonville is in the background.





Vegetables being crated for shipment by rail. Each boxcar was refrigerated by blocks of ice provided by local ice houses in Sanford. With th

Celery City


Celery City, located at 116 N Palmetto Ave, Sanford, FL 32771, is a lively and popular destination in the heart of Sanford's historic downtown. This craft beer garden and taproom offers a dynamic atmosphere where locals and visitors can enjoy a wide selection of craft beers, ciders, and wines, making it a must-visit spot for anyone looking to experience the best of Sanford's social scene.

The location itself is steeped in history, as Sanford was once known as the "Celery Capital of the World" due to its booming celery farming industry in the early 20th century. The name "Celery City" pays homage to this agricultural heritage, blending the old with the new in a space that is both nostalgic and contemporary. The building's exterior maintains a classic charm, while the interior offers a comfortable, casual setting with plenty of seating, both indoors and outdoors.

Celery City stands out for its impressive variety of craft beers on tap, often featuring over 50 different options from local breweries and beyond. The rotating taps ensure that there's always something new to try, whether you're into hoppy IPAs, rich stouts, or crisp lagers. The venue also hosts food truck