How to Store Celery So it Keeps Fresh

Maintain the crispness of celery with appropriate storage techniques.

Celery belongs to the parsley family of vegetables. It provides a fresh and peppery taste to many hot and cold dishes. After dicing, add the raw, tender inner stalks to salads, and cook the tougher outer stalks in dishes such as soups and casseroles. Celery leaves are flavorsome when finely chopped and added to dishes such as salads and omelettes. Appropriate storage of celery will keep it fresh and crisp for approximately 10 to 14 days.

Things You'll Need

• Airtight plastic container
• Tall plastic container
• Plastic bag

Instructions

1. Cut off the base of the celery stems by about 3 to 4 cm and discard.

2. Check for any discoloration, and discard any stems or leaves that show yellow, brown or black patches.

3. Trim off celery leaves and place in a airtight container in the fridge.

4. Fill a tall container, such as a beaker or plastic jug, with approximately 1 inch of cold water

5. Place celery stems upright in the container.

6. Cover the top of the celery stems with a plastic bag.

7. Place in a fridge at a temperature of 39 degrees Fahrenheit.

Tips & Warnings

• Store unwashed celery in the coldest part of the fridge to keep it crisp and fresh for up to two weeks, says John Peterson, author of Farmer John's Cookbook: The Real Dirt on Vegetables."

• The Food Safety Network advises washing vegetables such as celery thoroughly before eating or cooking to eliminate bacteria and organisms that may cause illness.

• Avoid freezing celery, which will cause it to wilt and lose its crispness.

References

• "Farmer John's Cookbooks: The Real Dirt on Vegetables";John Peterson, Angelic Organics, Lesley Littlefield Freeman; 2006
• Food Safety Network: Storing Fruits and Vegetables

Resources

• Whole Foods: Celery