celery seed

For those of us who grew up eating celery stalks, celery seed - the spice - is a bit of a botanical curiosity. The seeds somehow concentrate a flavor that you barely detect when eating those loud, crunchy, almost flavorless stalks. But a subtle, savory flavor does exist and is amplified by the seeds. Stranger still is the fact that this spice is a key ingredient in some culinary traditions. As a side note, Apium graveolens is a member of the carrot family. With thanks to my wife for being my celery seed mentor.