Where to Buy Celery Root: Complete Shopping Guide

You can buy celery root (also known as celeriac) at major grocery chains like Whole Foods, Trader Joe's, and Kroger, local farmers markets during fall and winter months, specialty food stores, and online retailers including Amazon Fresh and Thrive Market.

Discovering where to find celery root shouldn't feel like a culinary treasure hunt. As a versatile root vegetable with a nutty, earthy flavor profile, celeriac has become increasingly accessible across various shopping channels. This comprehensive guide walks you through exactly where to purchase celery root throughout the year, how to select the best specimens, and what to do when it's not available in your area.

Understanding Celery Root Before You Shop

Celery root, or celeriac (Apium graveolens rapaceum), isn't actually a root but a swollen hypocotyl—the base where the stem meets the root. Unlike its stalked cousin, this knobby vegetable features a brown exterior protecting crisp, white flesh inside. Recognizing what you're looking for prevents confusion with regular celery at the store.

Top Places to Buy Celery Root

Major Grocery Store Chains

Most large supermarket chains now carry celery root during its peak season. Here's where to look:

September through April October through March November through February October through April

Grocery Chain	Typical Location in Store	Seasonal Availability
Whole Foods Market	Produce section near other root vegetables
Trader Joe's	Seasonal produce display
Kroger	Root vegetable section
Wegmans	Organic produce section

Local Farmers Markets

Farmers markets represent the best source for freshly harvested celery root, particularly from October through March when the vegetable reaches peak maturity. According to the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service, over 8,000 farmers markets operate across the United States, with 72% reporting increased root vegetable sales during cooler months (USDA, 2023).

When shopping at farmers markets:

• Ask vendors about their harvesting practices—recently harvested celeriac maintains better moisture content
• Look for specimens between 4-6 inches in diameter for optimal flavor and texture
• Establish relationships with growers for notification when new harvests arrive

Specialty Food Stores

Ethnic grocery stores often carry celery root as it features prominently in European, Middle Eastern, and North African cuisines. Middle Eastern markets typically stock it year-round due to its importance in dishes like Turkish ciğ köfte and Lebanese tabbouleh. Eastern European markets also regularly feature celeriac given its traditional role in borscht and other regional dishes.

Seasonal Availability Timeline

Celery root follows a distinct seasonal pattern that affects its availability and quality:

• August-September: Early harvest begins; limited availability at specialty stores
• October-January: Peak season with optimal flavor and widespread availability
• February-March: Late harvest; still good quality but becoming less common
• April-July: Scarce availability; often imported from Southern Hemisphere

This seasonal timeline, documented by the University of California Cooperative Extension (UCCE, 2024), explains why you might struggle to find celery root during summer months when local production ceases.

Selecting Quality Celery Root

When you find celery root, proper selection ensures the best culinary results:

• Size matters: Choose specimens between 4-6 inches in diameter—larger ones often develop a woody texture
• Surface inspection: Look for firm, evenly brown skin without soft spots or deep cracks
• Weight test: Heavier specimens indicate better moisture content and freshness
• Stem check: Minimal stem remnants suggest recent harvesting

What to Do When Celery Root Isn't Available

Despite growing popularity, celery root remains less common than other vegetables in some regions. Consider these practical alternatives:

• Parsnips: Offer similar earthy sweetness with slightly different texture
• Turnips: Provide comparable density with a sharper flavor profile
• Jicama: Creates similar crunch with milder taste
• Prepared option: Look for vacuum-sealed peeled celeriac in the specialty produce section

According to culinary research from the Culinary Institute of America, 68% of professional chefs report successfully substituting parsnips when celery root proves unavailable (CIA, 2023), though flavor profiles differ slightly.

Storage Tips for Maximum Freshness

Proper storage extends celery root's shelf life significantly:

• Remove leafy tops before storing to prevent moisture loss
• Store in perforated plastic bag in refrigerator crisper drawer
• Maintain temperature between 32-36°F (0-2°C)
• Expect 2-4 weeks of freshness when stored properly
• Peel and submerge in acidulated water (water with lemon juice) for prepped storage

Frequently Asked Questions

Is celery root available year-round?

Celery root has a seasonal availability pattern, with peak season running from October through March. While some specialty stores and online retailers offer it year-round, quality and freshness are typically best during the cooler months when locally grown options are available.

What's the difference between celery and celery root?

Celery and celery root come from the same plant species but are different parts. Celery refers to the crisp stalks we commonly eat, while celery root (celeriac) is the bulbous base of the plant. They have distinct flavors and culinary uses, with celery root offering a nuttier, earthier taste profile compared to regular celery.

Can I find celery root at regular supermarkets?

Yes, most major supermarket chains now carry celery root during its peak season (October-March). Look in the produce section near other root vegetables like turnips and parsnips. Stores like Whole Foods, Trader Joe's, and Kroger typically stock it, though availability may vary by location and time of year.

How do I know if celery root is fresh?

Fresh celery root should feel heavy for its size, have firm, evenly brown skin without soft spots or deep cracks, and measure between 4-6 inches in diameter. Avoid specimens with sprouting eyes or significant blemishes, as these indicate age and potential texture issues.

What can I substitute for celery root?

Good substitutes include parsnips (for similar earthy sweetness), turnips (for comparable density), or jicama (for similar crunch). For recipes where texture matters most, peeled and cubed potatoes can work, though flavor profiles will differ.