Celery 'Tango'
'Tango' celery is a popular celery cultivar known for its exceptional taste, crisp texture, and reliability in the garden. As a member of the Apium graveolens species, 'Tango' is characterized by its bright green, upright stalks that are thick, succulent, and possess a sweet and savory flavor. This cultivar has gained favor among gardeners and home cooks for its ease of cultivation and the high quality of its harvest.
One notable feature of 'Tango' celery is its resistance to bolting, which means it tends to produce longer stalks without prematurely going to seed. This resistance is particularly advantageous for those seeking a prolonged harvest period and consistent quality. The robust and vigorous nature of 'Tango' makes it suitable for both home gardens and larger-scale cultivation.
In the kitchen, 'Tango' celery adds a delightful crunch to salads, soups, and stir-fries. Its versatile nature and rich flavor make it a staple ingredient in various culinary applications. Whether enjoyed raw with a dab of peanut butter, diced in a refreshing summer salad, or simmered in a hearty winter stew, 'Tango' celery stands out as a reliable and tasty choice for those who appreciate the crispness and flavor that high-quality celery brings to dishes.
One notable feature of 'Tango' celery is its resistance to bolting, which means it tends to produce longer stalks without prematurely going to seed. This resistance is particularly advantageous for those seeking a prolonged harvest period and consistent quality. The robust and vigorous nature of 'Tango' makes it suitable for both home gardens and larger-scale cultivation.
In the kitchen, 'Tango' celery adds a delightful crunch to salads, soups, and stir-fries. Its versatile nature and rich flavor make it a staple ingredient in various culinary applications. Whether enjoyed raw with a dab of peanut butter, diced in a refreshing summer salad, or simmered in a hearty winter stew, 'Tango' celery stands out as a reliable and tasty choice for those who appreciate the crispness and flavor that high-quality celery brings to dishes.
Celery, including the 'Tango' cultivar, has specific preferences when it comes to growing conditions. Providing the right environment helps ensure healthy growth and a bountiful harvest. Here are the preferred growing conditions for 'Tango' celery:
- Sunlight: Celery thrives in full sun but can tolerate partial shade. It's generally recommended to provide at least 6 hours of sunlight per day for optimal growth.
- Soil: Well-drained, fertile soil is essential for celery. Loamy soil enriched with organic matter, such as compost, promotes healthy development. Celery prefers a slightly acidic to neutral soil pH.
- Temperature: Celery is a cool-season vegetable. It grows best in temperatures between 60°F and 70°F (15°C to 21°C). In hot climates, providing shade or planting celery as a fall crop can help avoid stress from high temperatures.
- Watering: Celery has high water requirements. Keep the soil consistently moist, but avoid waterlogged conditions, which can lead to root rot. Regular, deep watering is preferable over frequent shallow watering.
- Spacing: Proper spacing is crucial to allow air circulation and prevent disease. Plant 'Tango' celery about 12 to 18 inches apart in rows spaced around 24 inches apart.
- Fertilization: Celery benefits from regular fertilization. Use a balanced fertilizer or incorporate well-rotted compost into the soil before planting. Side-dress with a balanced fertilizer during the growing season.
- Mulching: Applying a layer of organic mulch, such as straw or compost, helps retain soil moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature.
- Growing Season: Celery is often grown as a biennial, meaning it completes its life cycle in two growing seasons. However, it is typically harvested in its first season before it goes to seed.
- Bolting Prevention: 'Tango' celery is known for its resistance to bolting (prematurely going to seed). Bolting can be triggered by stress, such as fluctuating temperatures. Providing consistent growing conditions and avoiding heat stress help prevent bolting.
- Harvesting: Harvest celery when the stalks are large, crisp, and have a strong flavor. Begin harvesting from the outer stalks, and use a sharp knife to cut them at the base.
Here's a delicious recipe for "Tango Celery and Apple Salad" that highlights the flavors of summer:
Tango Celery and Apple Salad:
Ingredients:
Tango Celery and Apple Salad:
Ingredients:
- 4 cups 'Tango' celery, thinly sliced
- 2 medium apples, cored and thinly sliced (use a crisp variety like Honeycrisp or Fuji)
- 1/2 cup walnuts, toasted and chopped
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Honey for drizzling (optional)
- Prepare the Salad Base:
- In a large bowl, combine the thinly sliced 'Tango' celery, apple slices, toasted walnuts, crumbled feta cheese, and chopped parsley.
- Prepare the Dressing:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice and extra-virgin olive oil. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Toss the Salad:
- Drizzle the dressing over the salad ingredients.
- Gently toss the salad until everything is well coated with the dressing.
- Chill:
- Place the salad in the refrigerator for about 15-30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the salad to chill.
- Serve:
- Before serving, drizzle honey over the salad if you desire a touch of sweetness.
- Serve the Tango Celery and Apple Salad as a refreshing side dish for summer lunches, picnics, or barbecues.