While I can’t say I hate celery, it ain’t a favorite. I really can’t understand its sanctified role in the French trinity of aromatic vegetables called mirepoix. Mirepoix is used as a base in any number of sauces; since carrot is another member of the trinity, celery can’t be included just for its crunch. But what other flavors or “aromatic” behaviors does it exhibit? Vaguely sour but flavorless to my palate and absent to my nose.
I have a hunch that fennel bulbs would be a far superior component in mirapoix.
Evidently, to some people, celery has a *bite*. My husband is one of them. I wonder if it is those folks who are called *super tasters*?
I learned early on while cooking, to use a small amount of celery in anything cooked. A little goes a long way. This is doubly true for celery leaves, IMO.
However, fresh celery adds crunch to various tuna, chicken, potato and egg salads. It does add liquid, though.