Celery
The Best Way to Store Celery Might Surprise You
If you aren’t supposed to keep celery in the plastic bag it came in, where are you supposed to keep it?
Photo by James Ransom
Question: If you aren’t supposed to keep celery in the plastic bag it came in, how are you supposed to store it?
Answer: For the best results, keep celery heads whole, wrap them up tightly in aluminum foil, and then keep them in the refrigerator crisper drawer as usual. When stored this way, celery stalks can maintain their freshness anywhere from two to four weeks.
The plastic bag your celery came in traps in the ethylene it produces, which hastens its vegetal demise. From the kitchn we learned that Cook’s Illustrated found that aluminum foil was the best storage solution; it allows the gas to escape, so your celery will stay fresh longer.
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The trick, though, is to wrap the aluminum foil tightly enough that a ton of moisture doesn't get out (keeping the celery heads whole also helps with this), but not so tightly that the ethylene can't escape (just make sure not to crimp or seal the edges).
Aluminum foil isn’t the most eco-friendly way to store produce, but it might be worth it in the name of preventing food waste. Plus, the aluminum foil could be reused multiple times to store a few rounds of celery if you’re carefully wrapping and unwrapping it. Then, once it starts to shred too much for wrapping celery, you can either recycle it or put it to use elsewhere, like cleaning your grill for winter storage.
If you’re the type of person that likes to cut celery stalks up ahead of time for easy snacking access, you might be tempted to store them in water. Resist the urge to carry on your grandmother's tradition (only this one, the rest are fair game). Cook's Illustrated says that you can "prep celery (and carrot) sticks up to two days ahead; there’s no need to store them in water. After that, they’ll begin to very slowly deteriorate, whether stored dry or wet.”
And if you do end up with limp celery stalks, don't despair—there are more than a few tasty ways to use it, from roasting it for a creamy-buttery soup to whipping up a celery-scented syrup for an ultra-refreshing homemade soda (or cocktail).
A Few Crisp, Fresh Celery Recipes to Cook This Week
1. Italian Celery & Mushroom Salad
This raw celery salad is all about the texture, from the delicate crunch of the paper-thin shaved stalks to the soft sautéed mushrooms.
2. Celery & Za’atar Tabouli
If you love tabouli (and even if you think you don't), this hearty, flavor-packed version with za'atar, bulgur, celery, and feta will be your new favorite.
3. Chicken & Tofu Stir Fry with Celery & Cashews
An umami-rich marinade, chicken and tofu combo, and crunchy celeries and cashews all team up for the ultimate weeknight dinner.
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4. Celery & Lentil Salad with Tossed Salsa Verde
This salad earned nothing but rave reviews when it hit our test kitchen last year, and it the community agrees, with one reviewer writing: "I made this last night and it was delicious! Even if you are not a fan of capers and anchovies (I definitely am!), you will like this."
5. New Potato Salad with Crispy Radishes, Fennel & Celery
An A+ side dish for all manner of griled meats, this new potato salad with lots of crispy raw vegetables was made for warm weather.
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What food storage solutions do you swear by? Tell us in the comments below!
This article originally ran in November 2015, and was updated by the Food52 editors in April 2020.
Written by: Lindsay-Jean Hard
Popular on Food52
88 Comments
JODY H.
February 27, 2023
The foil storage works! I use heavy duty foil. I'm also extending the life of my English cucumbers that way too.
Dan K.
April 28, 2021
The truth is, you can store it in the plastic bag it comes in... if done properly. I would never wrap anything in foil to store for any more than a day or so in the fridge. Definitely not for extended storage. I've seen too many cases where the foil deteriorates and that deterioration becomes part of the food you are storing.
For an even safer and easier way to store a head celery, cut a sliver off the bottom, making sure that the stalks are still attached to one another. Then wrap the whole thing in a dampened paper towel or two, ensuring the bottom is well covered. Place the wrapped celery back in that plastic bag, or one such a you get from a loaf of bread. This allows the majority of the body to remain humid and the ends to poke out the top a bit while resting in the fridge. You don't even have to store this upright. I have kept celery "fresh" and crunchy for a week or better this way.
I find this method works well for iceberg lettuce, too. Place the dampened paper towel around most of the head, paying attention to the root end. Then place it back in the perforated bag they are often sold in. Or make a perforated plastic bag by stabbing it a number of times with a small kitchen knife. (Helps to relieve some pent up frustration at the same time.)
For an even safer and easier way to store a head celery, cut a sliver off the bottom, making sure that the stalks are still attached to one another. Then wrap the whole thing in a dampened paper towel or two, ensuring the bottom is well covered. Place the wrapped celery back in that plastic bag, or one such a you get from a loaf of bread. This allows the majority of the body to remain humid and the ends to poke out the top a bit while resting in the fridge. You don't even have to store this upright. I have kept celery "fresh" and crunchy for a week or better this way.
I find this method works well for iceberg lettuce, too. Place the dampened paper towel around most of the head, paying attention to the root end. Then place it back in the perforated bag they are often sold in. Or make a perforated plastic bag by stabbing it a number of times with a small kitchen knife. (Helps to relieve some pent up frustration at the same time.)
EvaKatalin
April 28, 2021
Lots of approaches to preventing the demise of celery before it's 'passing'. I have to tell you about my method of keeping celery. I don't think anyone mentioned it. When I was first married in the 1970s, I bought a celery keeper from Tupperware. No I do not sell Tupperware!
It is a long green rectangular container that holds your celery lying down flat and hold more than one bunch. At the bottom of it, on the inside is a flat perforation layer that allows for air circulation round your celery.
I cut off the bottom end of my bunch of celery, wash it well in cold water, dry it off with a clean kitchen towel and place all the ribs inside facing downwards so any moisture will drip off the celery down below the perforated bottom. They are not totally dry but, no longer dripping when I store them.
I am still using the same original container. I run it though the dishwasher from time to time. My celery will easily lasts 4-5 weeks if it isn't gone before then!
I have a similiar one that is shallower that I use for my green onions. They don't last as long but, do manage three weeks ! It fits directly over the celery keeper in my fridge.
I hadn't wanted to attend that first Tupperware party and thought it was exorbitantly priced but, I have been so happy I did ever since. I have recently seen used ones for sale on places like kijiji, for very close to the price I paid so many years ago. Moral of the story: buy your self one! What is the worst that could happen? You sell it on Kijiji!
It is a long green rectangular container that holds your celery lying down flat and hold more than one bunch. At the bottom of it, on the inside is a flat perforation layer that allows for air circulation round your celery.
I cut off the bottom end of my bunch of celery, wash it well in cold water, dry it off with a clean kitchen towel and place all the ribs inside facing downwards so any moisture will drip off the celery down below the perforated bottom. They are not totally dry but, no longer dripping when I store them.
I am still using the same original container. I run it though the dishwasher from time to time. My celery will easily lasts 4-5 weeks if it isn't gone before then!
I have a similiar one that is shallower that I use for my green onions. They don't last as long but, do manage three weeks ! It fits directly over the celery keeper in my fridge.
I hadn't wanted to attend that first Tupperware party and thought it was exorbitantly priced but, I have been so happy I did ever since. I have recently seen used ones for sale on places like kijiji, for very close to the price I paid so many years ago. Moral of the story: buy your self one! What is the worst that could happen? You sell it on Kijiji!
Sharon R.
April 29, 2021
I'm with you! I have the same two Tupperware pieces and use them for the same things! It is incredible how long they stay fresh! I've had mine for about forty years.
Lu
April 28, 2021
Umm, yikes. Do your own research but there is a growing body of evidence (2 such recent studies out of the UK) that link aluminum exposure to Alzheimer’s Disease. The health risks AND the environmental impact should be concerning. Especially when keeping it cut in a little water vase/container in the fridge will last for weeks and when it’s looking past it’s prime, throw it in your veggie freezer bag for stock.
LB
April 28, 2021
No!! Aluminum, of any medium, is a heavy metal toxin that is extremely dangerous. And to think we still wrap our foods in and cook with. 🙏🏻
LadyR
April 28, 2021
Likewise dental mercury fillings; perhaps consider having them replaced with porcelain. Chewing, and grinding teeth when we sleep, can release the mercury.
carolyn W.
April 28, 2021
Wrap tightly in a thin plastic vegetable bag. Compress out as much air a possible. Be sure top is closed tightly with knot or twistie. Prick with fork. No air gets in but gas gets out. Works for all kinds of vegetables. I read this a long time ago. It works.
KarenSiena
April 28, 2021
We've always used damp paper towels, & stored in the plastic bag it came in without closing the top.
LadyR
April 28, 2021
I store whole-head celery in a moist cotton tea towel wrung out in hot water; wrap the head of celery completely except to leave the head-end exposed. Store in crisper, and pull off a stock as needed. Rinse stocks as needed.
Scroll way down to comments area for loads of add-on recipes. Here is a link to one of my favourite soups made using celery...
https://www.realestatemagazine.ca/recipes-for-realtors-silky-cream-of-celery-soup/
Lady R
msstein
April 19, 2020
I’ve used heavy duty foil to store celery for many years. I find it fresh and crisp, even after several weeks. Just re-wrap after
removing what you need. When it’s lost it’s glow, dice and freeze or vacuum seal and then use in cooked dishes. No waste!
removing what you need. When it’s lost it’s glow, dice and freeze or vacuum seal and then use in cooked dishes. No waste!
Marilyn T.
April 19, 2020
For storing celery, I cut the root end off and cut the stalks to the length of a jar, then place them in the jar and fill it with water, then put the lid on and store it in the fridge. This technique keeps the celery fresh for at least two weeks. I change the water every few days as well. I also store carrots this way.
Brenda
April 18, 2020
Interesting thread and will have to try it. I have never stored a whole stalk in water, but recently (pandemic shopping style) had some celery go a little limp on me before it was used, and was pleased to be able to revive it by trimming the ends and then storing in the refrigerator, in a tumbler, with a shallow amount of water in the bottom. It was crisp enough for several different uses over about a week's time.
DCThunder
April 17, 2020
I've simply been soaking celery stalks in water in the sink overnight, draining it, and putting it either loose in the crisper drawer or in a "green bag". I've probably done this for over 60 years and never gotten sick. Perhaps my innards are coated with pesticide residue, but I love crisp celery out of the fridge and this ensures it. Why on earth would you wrap it in foil?
Leslie V.
April 17, 2020
Sorry to be so dense. if you wrap the whole stock in foil..how do you clean it before.? not easy to get some grit out when it is whole.
Do you have to unwrap the whole stock everytime you want some, cut ..then clean the pieces when before eating or using, then rewrap. Does it go in the crisper? I will do the suggestion of chopping some and vac seal along with some onions.
Several years ago, I cut and washed each stock and then cut up several and wrapped in foil, and put in crisper.. Did not have much luck. At present i cut of root end, wash. cut eqach piece in half. Lay out to dry. Put in plastic bag with paper towel in bottom..leave the zip bag slightly open put in crisper. pretty good after 10-14 days. The leaved parts use for cooking and sometimes i dry the leaves in my F dryer. Due to illness and surgery recovery I am not driving and it is a long way to the stores anyway. So any help would be appreciated. Looking into fresh produce shipped in, every two weeks. Hope it can be arranged. Radishes and carrots i repackage and leave the bags slightly open too so they do not mold, etc.
Thank for any help.
Do you have to unwrap the whole stock everytime you want some, cut ..then clean the pieces when before eating or using, then rewrap. Does it go in the crisper? I will do the suggestion of chopping some and vac seal along with some onions.
Several years ago, I cut and washed each stock and then cut up several and wrapped in foil, and put in crisper.. Did not have much luck. At present i cut of root end, wash. cut eqach piece in half. Lay out to dry. Put in plastic bag with paper towel in bottom..leave the zip bag slightly open put in crisper. pretty good after 10-14 days. The leaved parts use for cooking and sometimes i dry the leaves in my F dryer. Due to illness and surgery recovery I am not driving and it is a long way to the stores anyway. So any help would be appreciated. Looking into fresh produce shipped in, every two weeks. Hope it can be arranged. Radishes and carrots i repackage and leave the bags slightly open too so they do not mold, etc.
Thank for any help.
Lindsay-Jean H.
April 17, 2020
Hi Leslie - I wouldn't clean it first. All produce will last longer if you leave it unwashed until you're actually using it. That said, I know some folks just prefer to wash everything first so it's ready to go when they want it, so do whatever works best for you.
Smaug
April 19, 2020
I usually wash produce at the time of use for procedural reasons, but I see no reason on earth why leaving it dirty would make it keep any better. Maybe something like celery that you'd have to split up to wash would wilt a little faster. Most produce has been rinsed and misted regularly before you buy it- in fact a lot of the time you have to dry it out when you bring it home before putting it away.
Smaug
April 19, 2020
Ah- and then there are some fruits, such as apples, that are coated with wax or shellac to slow transpiration during long term storage- I suppose leaving that on would help them keep a bit longer.
Lindsay-Jean H.
April 19, 2020
Hey Smaug - There are multiple sources you could find for this, but here's one from The Washington Post: "Washing fruits or vegetables before storing them makes them more likely to spoil, because dampness encourages bacteria growth, says food research scientist Amanda Deering of Purdue University."
Smaug
April 19, 2020
Well, yes, you don't want to put it away wet. I could say the same for cutting boards, blenders, and practically anything else. You need to dry things out after you wash them, but then as often as not with produce you need to dry it out anyway.
aviva B.
April 16, 2020
All those years that I've been wrapping the celery in plastic bags.
This tip came at the perfect moment where I am getting this beautiful celery from Farm Fresh produce and we can't use it fast enough. Thanks for the tip !
This tip came at the perfect moment where I am getting this beautiful celery from Farm Fresh produce and we can't use it fast enough. Thanks for the tip !
Tatan B.
April 16, 2020
I would have loved a photo of the celery wrapping! sorry but the explanation alone is not enough for me =(
Karen L.
April 17, 2020
I AGREE!!! I do not get this. Wrap the whole thing? Tightly or not so tightly? A photo would be great.
Lindsay-Jean H.
April 17, 2020
Hi friends, I will admit that I didn't even think about the need for a photo when I wrote this (5 years ago), so I apologize that it's now frustrating and confusing to not have one. I would pull out a piece of foil that's longer than the stalk (the somewhat-confusing name for the whole bunch of celery), lay it horizontally, set the celery on it horizontally, and pinch/roll/crimp the top and bottom (the two long edges) fairly tightly around the celery. (So now, visually, it's totally covered in foil, but the ends are open). Then I would loosely scrunch the ends and toss it in the fridge.
Tatan B.
April 17, 2020
Thank you for the explanation !!! i will try it as soon as i buy the next one.
mdelgatty
May 11, 2020
I'm having trouble picturing how you could wrap it so the ethylene can get out but the water vapour can't...
Rosalind P.
April 16, 2020
Please help me find a recipe about ten years ago I had an incredible Italian beef ragout where celery was the key ingredient and flavor. It was in a tomato sauce, so probably had the usual aromatics. I have tried to duplicate it, but failed miserably and have done searches without any luck. Does anyone know that dish? Celery flavor -- perfumey and fresh -- against the tomato sauce, Incredible. Anyone?
Rosalind P.
April 17, 2020
Thanks for the tip. Embarrassed to say...don't know The Hotline. Is it part of Food52? Where/how to find it.?
Lindsay-Jean H.
April 17, 2020
Not at all, my fault for not sharing. It's a spot on Food52 where anyone can ask questions and get help from fellow home cooks and Food52 staffers: https://food52.com/hotline
Tatan B.
April 17, 2020
I do a pretty decent one using celery onions and carrots, all finely chopped so that you don't really feel them through the dish, perfect for kids!! you also need bacon and tomato sauce.
Rosalind P.
April 17, 2020
Thanks for helping. The dish I remember probably had those finely chopped vegetables but there were slices of celery too -- unmistakeably perfumey. But your sauce sounds great too! Thanks. (Also, can't use bacon....but smoky paprika helps.)
gregh1973
April 16, 2020
I dice it up as soon as I get it and vacuum pack it before freezing. I do the same with onions. When they thaw, they are just like fresh!
Christine S.
April 16, 2020
As a child in England, where refrigerators were extremely small, my mum kept our celery in a beautiful, handblown celery vase. The leaves were left on and it looked beautiful sitting on the counter. The water was changed every day and it lasted for a few days. Of course, we never bought American quantities and we used all the parts. The leaves were dried once the stalks were finished and we would fight over who was going to gnaw on the very small heart that was left. I still have the vase and use it for the same purpose today.
Yirgach
April 16, 2020
I just wrap the celery in a clean piece of dish cloth and store it in the fridge veggie bin.
Ditto for all stuff like that: fennel, broccoli, radishes, lettuce, etc.
So simple. Aluminum foil is best used for more intensive things.
You do need to wash/dry the dish cloth instead of just throwing the foil away...
Ditto for all stuff like that: fennel, broccoli, radishes, lettuce, etc.
So simple. Aluminum foil is best used for more intensive things.
You do need to wash/dry the dish cloth instead of just throwing the foil away...
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