Celery

Celery is a herbaceous plant erroneously believed to contain less energy than is required to consume the same.

Wild celery was known from at least the early medieval period, but this was a rather bitter version and was used primarily as a herb. In the 16th century a different, more succulent variety was in use in Italy but still needed to be blanched to make it palatable to the palate of the time.

By the 17th century a variety of celery that would be more recognisable to the modern eye, was known across Europe.