This month (August),  LSU AgCenter Webster and Claiborne Parish Nutrition Education presents celery seed, a spice that ranges from light to dark brown, with a hay-like aroma and a warm, bitter flavor profile. These tiny seeds come from the ancient, hardy marsh plant known as smallage or wild celery (Apium graveolens).

Often used in cooking, celery seeds are also valued in Eastern medicine for treating ailments like bronchitis, skin disorders, and the flu. They contain small amounts of minerals such as calcium, manganese, and iron.

Ideal for tomato and mixed vegetable juices, celery seeds are also great in poultry and meat dishes, picklings, soups, salads, salad dressings, and BBQ rubs. Add them to coleslaw, potato salad, macaroni salad, egg salad, and fruit salad dressing for extra flavor.

Pick up a newsletter and a celery seed sample with a recipe for a delicious Three Bean Salad at your Minden or Springhill Webster Parish Library Branch.

A Taste of Herbs & Spices features a new spice every month, introducing and celebrating heart-healthy flavoring options for all.