How to Keep Celery Crispy

Keep celery crisp and fresh with some easy tips.

Turgor pressure -- the pressing of intracellular moisture against a plant's cell walls -- allows celery to remain turgid, or crisp, when stored in cold water. Turgor pressure works on the same principles that other cut plants do when stored in a vase for decorative purposes. Celery will remain crisp for 2 to 3 weeks when stored in this manner.

Things You'll Need

• Tall nonreactive container, such as a glass or plastic vase

Instructions

1. Trim off bottom ends of celery stalks. Place celery stalks leaves-side-up in a tall nonreactive container.

2. Fill the container 2/3 full of cold water.

3. Add ice to the container until almost full.

4. Store the celery in the refrigerator for ideal results. It will keep for up to 3 weeks.

5. Replace the ice and water every two days.

References

• "The Professional Chef 8th Edition"; The Culinary Institute of America; 2006
• Biology Online: Turgor Pressure