It’s winter so I find myself eating more soups and stews. They can be so good on a cold day.
But IMO celery tastes horrible and only subtracts from the flavor of soup by covering up other flavors. Why is it such a common ingredient? Do people actually like enjoy or is it serving some other purpose?
(Yes I avoid it in other foods too. Not to go off topic but water chestnuts are a fantastic substitute if you like the crunch. Try them instead of celery next time you make stuffing.)
Sure, I’m familiar with mirepoix and I know my capabilities in a kitchen.
I’m asking why practically every soup recipe or chef or manufacturer includes it. Before this thread I didn’t think anyone had a better-than-neutral opinion of celery.