Celeriac Variety Information

Monarch (OP)

Monarch is an open-pollinated variety that has been around for decades. In Britain, it won the Royal Horticulture Society’s Award of Garden Merit. Our seed came from the folks at Uprising Seeds but there are several other vendors.

  • wider, flatter, “hippier” than other varieties

  • sizes up early

  • smooth roots

When to Find: October-December

Balena (F1)

Balena is an F1 hybrid variety bred by Bejo Seeds. Our seed came from High Mowing Organic Seeds, but there are other sellers too. Balena held up well in the field and in storage. Plus it was well-liked by our chef and crew tasters.

  • high quality roots

  • stores very well

When to Find: October-January

Tasting Notes: “bright, white flesh with excellent flavor and aroma” “tender”

roasted: “pleasantly mild”

Brilliant

Brilliant is an open-pollinated variety with its “roots” in Europe. Our seed came from Johnny’s Selected Seeds but there are other US vendors. Brilliant was the winner of our taste tests with chefs and our field crew.

  • good flavor

  • productive

  • high quality roots

When to Find: October-December

Tasting Notes: “name is truly fitting - the flavor is brilliant”

“tender with great flavor and aroma”

“enticingly white, smooth interior flesh”

roasted: “melts in your mouth”

Diamant (F1)

Diamant is an F1 hybrid variety bred by Bejo Seeds. Our seed came from High Mowing Organic Seeds, and this is a variety that is exclusively available as certified organic.

  • smooth, uniform roots = easier to clean

  • stores well

When to Find: October-January

Mars (OP)

Mars is an open-pollinated variety bred that we sourced from Johnny’s Selected Seeds. This variety is grown all over the world - from Europe to New Zealand, and does just fine in the Pacific Northwest. Versatile and adaptable.

  • matures early

  • holds well in field

When to Find: Late September-December

President (OP)

President is an open-pollinated variety common in Europe. Our seed came from Osborne Seeds. Another variety with a little more tan coloration, which some of our tasters found less appealing. The benefit, however, is less noticeable browning after the roots have been cut.

  • large, uniform roots

  • vigorous and holds well

When to Find: October-January

Chef and Field Crew Tasting Notes: “good flavor and aroma”

“pleasantly mild - good for a gateway celeriac”

Tellus (OP)

Tellus is a heritage, open-pollinated variety with its “roots” in England. Our seed came from Adaptive Seeds. Tellus is more tan-colored both inside and out than other varieties, which slows the unappetizing oxidation (browning) once the root is cut. Our chef and crew tasters noticed the flavor of Tellus, however, this variety did not necessarily hold well in our field trials nor store exceptionally. Get it while it’s available for the season!

  • good flavor

  • vigorous

When to Find: October-November

Tasting Notes: “firm yet tender texture”

roasted: “deep, earthy flavor”

roasted: “different and unique”