Hi Jane,

Yes, celery is safe to eat.  It does not produce solanine.

Celery like other plants produce green plant material when exposed to sunlight through the process of photosynthesis, which creates the food for the plant.

Solanine is a glycoalkaloid poison that is produce by members of the nightshade species of plants, specifically, those of the Solanum genus.

Members of the Solanum genus include potatoes, tomatoes, and eggplant.  When you prepare these types of vegetables, we recommend you not eat the green parts that appear on the edible part of the plant.

The production of solanine by these plants is a part of the plant's defense against predators. It protects the plant from insects, predators, disease, and viruses.

Celery is rich in fiber. It is low in carbohydrates.  One cup of celery contains 14 calories, 3 grams of carbohydrates, 263 mg of Potassium, and 30 mcg of Vitamin K. It is basically a plant cell structure with lots of water.

If you have any other questions, please do not hesitate to ask.

Sincerely,

Christine Venema, EdD

MSU Extension Food Safety Educator