How to Store Celery in the Fridge: Keep It Crisp for Weeks

Store celery in the fridge by wrapping the stalks tightly in aluminum foil or placing them upright in a container with 1-2 inches of water, then covering with a plastic bag. This method keeps celery crisp for 3-4 weeks, significantly longer than traditional storage techniques.

Nothing ruins a salad, soup, or snack platter like limp, rubbery celery. If you've ever tossed out wilted stalks just days after bringing them home, you're not alone. Proper celery storage isn't just convenient—it saves money and reduces food waste. In this guide, you'll discover science-backed methods that keep celery crisp and crunchy for weeks, not days. We've tested multiple approaches so you can choose the best technique for your kitchen setup and usage patterns.

Why Most People Store Celery Wrong

Celery naturally loses moisture through its porous stalks, leading to limpness within days when stored improperly. The vegetable's high water content (95%) makes it particularly vulnerable to dehydration in the refrigerator's dry environment. Many people make the common mistake of leaving celery in its original plastic bag or storing it loosely in the crisper drawer, which accelerates moisture loss.

Proven Methods for Storing Celery in the Fridge

Water Container Method (Best for Long-Term Storage)

This technique mimics how celery grows in nature, keeping stalks hydrated and crisp:

1. Cut off any leafy tops (store separately in a bag with a damp paper towel)
2. Trim about 1/2 inch from the bottom of the stalks
3. Stand celery upright in a container or mason jar with 1-2 inches of water
4. Cover loosely with a plastic bag or container lid
5. Store in the refrigerator's main compartment (not the crisper)
6. Refresh water every 3-4 days

Aluminum Foil Wrap Method (Best for Preserving Cut Celery)

Research from the University of California Davis Postharvest Technology Center shows that aluminum foil allows just enough moisture exchange while preventing excess dehydration:

1. Keep celery whole (don't cut yet)
2. Tightly wrap stalks in aluminum foil, ensuring no gaps
3. Store vertically in the refrigerator's main compartment
4. Use within 3-4 weeks

Storage Method	Expected Freshness Duration	Best For	Moisture Retention
Original Plastic Bag	3-5 days	Immediate use	★☆☆☆☆
Water Container Method	3-4 weeks	Whole stalks	★★★★★
Aluminum Foil Wrap	3-4 weeks	Whole or cut stalks	★★★★☆
Airtight Container with Damp Towel	2-3 weeks	Pre-cut pieces	★★★☆☆

How to Store Cut Celery Properly

If you've already chopped your celery for immediate use:

• Place pieces in an airtight container
• Add a slightly damp paper towel to maintain humidity
• Store away from ethylene-producing fruits like apples and bananas
• Use within 7-10 days for best quality

Reviving Wilted Celery

Don't toss slightly limp celery just yet. The USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service confirms that wilting doesn't indicate spoilage:

1. Cut 1/2 inch from the bottom of stalks
2. Submerge upright in cold water
3. Refrigerate for 2-4 hours
4. Celery will rehydrate and regain crispness

Storage Duration Timeline

Understanding how celery degrades helps you maximize freshness:

• Days 1-7: Optimal crispness and flavor when stored properly
• Days 8-14: Slight softening at edges; still perfect for cooking
• Days 15-21: Noticeable softening but still usable; ideal for soups and stocks
• Days 22-28: Significant softening; check for spoilage before use
• After 28 days: Discard if any sliminess, mold, or off odors appear

Common Storage Mistakes to Avoid

These errors significantly shorten celery's shelf life:

• Storing near ethylene producers: Apples, bananas, and tomatoes accelerate ripening and spoilage
• Using sealed plastic bags without ventilation: Traps ethylene gas and moisture, promoting decay
• Leaving celery in the original store packaging: Designed for transport, not long-term storage
• Storing in the crisper drawer: Most crisper drawers are too dry for celery's moisture needs

When to Discard Celery

FoodSafety.gov guidelines indicate celery should be discarded when:

• Stalks become slimy or develop mold
• Significant discoloration occurs (yellowing or browning)
• Unpleasant or sour odors develop
• Texture becomes excessively soft or mushy

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does celery last in the fridge when stored properly?

When stored using the water container method or aluminum foil wrap, celery maintains optimal crispness for 3-4 weeks in the refrigerator. This significantly outperforms traditional storage methods that typically only preserve freshness for 3-5 days.

Can you freeze celery for long-term storage?

Yes, celery can be frozen for up to 12 months, but it's best suited for cooking rather than raw applications. Blanch stalks for 2-3 minutes, cool in ice water, then freeze in airtight containers. Frozen celery loses its crisp texture but retains flavor for soups and stews.

Why does celery get stringy when stored improperly?

Celery develops tough strings as it dehydrates. The vegetable's natural fibers become more pronounced when moisture content decreases. Proper storage maintains hydration levels, preventing this textural change. The strings are edible but become more noticeable when celery isn't sufficiently hydrated.

Should celery be washed before storing in the refrigerator?

Wash celery only when you're ready to use it. Storing wet celery promotes bacterial growth and accelerates spoilage. If you must wash before storage, ensure stalks are completely dry before implementing any storage method.