Summary: This vegetable is ancient. Wild versions were used medicinally in 850 BC to ward off colds, flu and poor digestion. Its origins are from around the Mediterranean Sea, but it's also found wild in Asia and Northern Europe. The Italians first started growing it as a vegetable in the 17 th century and through seed saving, they created taller stalks that weren't as strong flavored as the wild relatives. This vegetable is known as celery.
