You cut celery root by first slicing off the thick, knobby top and bottom ends to create a stable base.
Then you stand the root upright and use a sharp chef’s knife to peel away the rough, brown outer skin in downward strips.
Once it’s peeled, you can cut the celery root into slices, matchsticks, or cubes depending on what your recipe calls for.
If you’ve ever stared at a celery root in the grocery store and wondered how to cut celery root without losing a finger, you’re in the right place.
Celery root, also known as celeriac, looks intimidating with its gnarled, hairy exterior, but cutting it is actually pretty straightforward once you know the technique.
In this post, we’ll walk through exactly how to cut celery root step by step, plus a few tips to make the process safer and easier.
How Do You Cut Celery Root? The Simple Answer
When you cut celery root, the goal is to remove the tough outer layer and expose the creamy white flesh inside.
The best way to cut celery root is to work with a sharp knife and a stable cutting board.
Here’s the thing: celery root is dense and irregular, so you need to approach it with a plan.
If you try to peel it like a potato with a vegetable peeler, you’ll struggle because the skin is thick and the surface is bumpy.
Instead, you cut celery root by slicing off the ends first, then using your knife to follow the natural curves of the root.
This method of cutting celery root gives you clean, uniform pieces that cook evenly.
1. Gather Your Tools Before You Cut Celery Root
Before you cut celery root, make sure you have a sharp chef’s knife, a sturdy cutting board, and a bowl of acidulated water.
A sharp knife is non-negotiable when you cut celery root because a dull blade will slip on the tough skin.
Acidulated water is just water with a squeeze of lemon or a splash of vinegar, and it keeps the cut celery root from turning brown.
2. Trim the Ends First When You Cut Celery Root
To start cutting celery root, lay it on its side and slice off the top where the stalks were attached.
Then flip it over and cut off the bottom root end as well.
These cuts give you flat surfaces that make the celery root stable on your cutting board.
Once both ends are off, you’re ready to keep cutting celery root safely.
3. Peel the Skin Away as You Cut Celery Root
Stand the celery root upright on one of its flat ends and carefully slice downward to remove the skin.
You want to cut celery root in strips, following the contour of the vegetable rather than forcing straight cuts.
Rotate the celery root as you go, slicing away the brown exterior until only the white flesh remains.
Don’t worry if you lose a little flesh in the process; it’s better than leaving tough bits behind when you cut celery root.
4. Cut Celery Root Into Your Desired Shape
Now that the celery root is peeled, you can cut it into whatever shape your recipe needs.
To cut celery root into slices, simply cut it crosswise into rounds about a quarter-inch thick.
If you want to cut celery root into matchsticks, slice it into rounds first, then stack the rounds and cut them into thin strips.
And to cut celery root into cubes, cut those matchsticks crosswise into small pieces.
Tips for Cutting Celery Root Without a Struggle
Cutting celery root can be tricky if you’re working with a large, knobby one.
Here are some tips to make the process smoother.
1. Choose the Right Celery Root to Cut
When you’re picking a celery root to cut, look for one that feels heavy for its size and has firm, unblemished skin.
Smaller celery roots tend to be less fibrous and easier to cut than massive ones.
If the celery root has soft spots or mold, skip it because those areas won’t cut cleanly.
2. Keep Your Cuts Steady When You Cut Celery Root
Celery root is dense, so you need to apply steady pressure when you cut it.
Don’t saw back and forth wildly; instead, use a firm, controlled motion as you cut celery root.
And always keep your fingers curled back so your knuckles guide the blade when you cut celery root.
3. Use the Cut Celery Root Right Away or Store It Properly
Once you cut celery root, it starts to oxidize and turn brown within minutes.
That’s why you should drop the cut celery root into acidulated water as you work.
If you’re not using the cut celery root immediately, store it in the fridge submerged in water for up to three days.
So, How Do You Cut Celery Root?
You cut celery root by trimming the ends, peeling the skin with a knife, and cutting it into your desired shape.
It’s not as hard as it looks once you know the steps.
Just remember to use a sharp knife, work carefully, and keep the cut celery root in acidulated water to prevent browning.
With these tips, cutting celery root will become second nature, and you’ll be ready to use it in soups, salads, and roasts without hesitation.