Benjamin Moore celery salt is a homemade seasoning blend inspired by the classic celery salt used in everything from Bloody Marys to potato salad. It combines ground celery seed with fine salt, creating a bright, savory, slightly bitter spice that adds depth to meats, vegetables, and sauces. This DIY version lets you control the salt level and uses whole celery seeds for the freshest flavor, making it far more aromatic than most store-bought jars.
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup (30 g) whole celery seeds
- 1/4 cup (60 g) fine sea salt or table salt
Instructions
- Place the celery seeds in a clean, dry spice grinder or a high-speed blender. Pulse 5–6 times until the seeds are broken into a coarse powder. Do not over-grind into a paste; you want a gritty, flaky texture.
- Transfer the ground celery seeds to a small bowl. Add the salt and whisk thoroughly until evenly combined.
- Transfer the celery salt to an airtight jar or shaker. Use immediately or store for later.
Tips
- Use whole seeds, not pre-ground: Pre-ground celery seed loses its volatile oils quickly. Grinding whole seeds fresh gives a much more pungent, celery-forward flavor.
- Adjust the salt ratio: The classic ratio is 1 part celery seed to 1 part salt by volume. If you prefer a lower-sodium blend, use 2 parts seeds to 1 part salt, but note the flavor will be more bitter and less salty.
- Grind in batches: If your grinder is small, grind the seeds in two batches to avoid overheating the seeds, which can dull their aroma.
- Store away from light and heat: Keep the jar in a cool, dark cupboard. Light and heat degrade the essential oils in the seeds, reducing shelf life.
Serving Suggestions
Benjamin Moore celery salt is a versatile seasoning. Use it to rim a Bloody Mary glass, sprinkle over deviled eggs, or season roasted chicken before baking. It also brightens coleslaw, potato salad, and tuna salad. Add a pinch to hamburger patties or meatloaf for a savory lift, or use it in place of regular salt in any soup or stew that calls for celery.
Variations
- Smoked Celery Salt: Substitute smoked salt for the fine sea salt to add a subtle barbecue-like depth.
- Spicy Celery Salt: Add 1/2 teaspoon (1 g) of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the mix for a kick.
- Onion-Celery Salt: Add 1 tablespoon (8 g) of dried onion flakes (ground to a powder) for an extra savory note.
- Celery Pepper Salt: Mix in 1 teaspoon (2 g) of freshly ground black pepper for a more pungent, peppery finish.
Storage and Reheating
Store the celery salt in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 6 months. Because it contains no moisture, it does not need refrigeration. Check every few months for clumping; if it clumps, break it up with a fork or add a few grains of raw rice to the jar to absorb humidity. This recipe does not require reheating.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use celery flakes instead of seeds? Yes, but the flavor will be milder and the texture more leafy. Use 1/4 cup (5 g) of dried celery flakes, ground to a powder, and reduce the salt to 2 tablespoons (30 g) because the flakes are less salty.
How long does homemade celery salt last? Properly stored in an airtight container away from heat and light, it will keep its best quality for about 6 months. After that, it may lose potency but will remain safe to use indefinitely.
Can I make this without a spice grinder? Yes. Place the celery seeds in a sealed plastic bag and crush them with a rolling pin or the bottom of a heavy pan. The texture will be coarser, but it works in a pinch.
Is celery salt the same as celery seed? No. Celery salt is a blend of ground celery seed and salt, while celery seed is just the seed itself. Celery seed is much more concentrated and bitter, so you cannot substitute them 1:1.
Can I use iodized table salt? Yes, but fine sea salt or kosher salt dissolves more evenly and has a cleaner taste. Iodized salt can add a slight metallic note.
Why is my celery salt clumping? Clumping usually happens because of moisture or humidity. Make sure your jar is completely dry before filling, and store it in a dry place. Adding a few grains of rice can help absorb excess moisture.
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