Arvada, Colorado Was Once Called the Celery Capital of the World

K99 | Kelsey Nistel | November 20, 2024

Colorado's abundant agricultural industry has had a significant economic impact for many years. The Centennial State produces widely-consumed foods like peaches, beef, melons, and green chiles, which are exported to more than 100 countries worldwide.

Surprisingly, celery is another crop with deep roots in Colorado. At one point in history, the city of Arvada was even dubbed the "Celery Capital of the World."

Colorado's role in the celery industry began in the 1880s when miners in the Rocky Mountain region discovered that the canals they had previously dug while searching for ore were also excellent for farming. The area's well-draining soil also made a huge impact. Farmers in Arvada found a steady market for their produce in Denver and nearby mining camps.

In the early 1900s, a particular variety of celery from Aravada gained national attention for the way it was specially harvested and for its distinct flavor. Pascal celery was unique because it was buried at harvest time to create a sweeter flavor and a more buttery texture. This practice is known as "trenching." Harvesting celery in this way was especially popular with Denver's Italian immigrant community. Farmers in Jefferson, Arapahoe, and Adams counties soon caught on to the new method and began producing Pascal celery in large quantities.

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