How to Keep Celery Fresh in the Refrigerator for Up to Three Weeks

Wrap celery in foil or paper towels, not plastic

Celery stays crisp longest when wrapped in aluminum foil or damp paper towels, not the plastic bag it came in. Plastic traps moisture and speeds decay; foil and paper allow the stalks to breathe while holding just enough humidity to prevent them from drying out. Unwrap the celery first, discard any yellowed or soft outer stalks, and stand the bunch upright in a container before wrapping.

If you use foil, wrap it loosely around the bundle so air can still circulate. If you use paper towels, dampen them slightly under running water, squeeze out excess, and wrap the towels around the stalks. Both methods work equally well—choose whichever you have on hand. Replace the paper towels every few days if they become soggy.

Key Takeaways

• Celery wrapped in foil or damp paper towels lasts two to three weeks; celery left in its original plastic bag wilts in five to seven days.
• Store celery upright in a container or jar with a small amount of water at the base to keep the cut ends hydrated.
• Remove any yellowed or soft outer stalks before storing, as decay spreads quickly to healthy stalks nearby.
• Celery absorbs odors from strong foods like onions and garlic, so store it in a separate container or the crisper drawer if possible.
• Cut celery pieces dry out fast and last only three to five days, even when wrapped; store whole stalks and cut them as you use them.

Store celery upright in water or a sealed container

Standing celery upright in a jar or container with about an inch of water at the base keeps the cut end hydrated and extends shelf life by several days. The stalks absorb water through the cut surface, which maintains crispness from the inside out. Use a tall glass, a mason jar, or any container deep enough to hold the bunch without tipping.

If you do not want to use water, seal the wrapped celery in an airtight container instead. The key is preventing air from drying out the stalks. Either method—water or sealed container—works well; water is slightly more effective but requires you to change it every few days if it becomes cloudy or discolored.

Keep celery in the crisper drawer, away from ethylene-producing fruits

Store celery in your refrigerator's crisper drawer if you have one, because the drawer maintains higher humidity than the main shelf. Celery is sensitive to ethylene gas, which ripening fruits like apples, pears, and bananas release. Ethylene speeds up wilting and yellowing, so keep celery in a separate drawer or on a different shelf from these fruits.

If your refrigerator has only one crisper, place celery in a sealed container on the main shelf instead. The container protects it from ethylene exposure and from absorbing odors from onions, garlic, or strong cheeses stored nearby.

Remove damaged stalks and trim the base every few days

Before storing celery, cut away any stalks that are yellowed, soft, or show brown spots. Decay spreads quickly through a bunch, so removing one bad stalk can prevent the others from spoiling. Use a sharp knife and cut straight across the base of the damaged stalk, then discard it.

Every three to four days, trim about half an inch off the base of the bunch with a clean knife. Fresh cuts help the stalks absorb water more efficiently and remove any browning that has begun at the cut surface. This simple step adds several days to the celery's life.

Cut celery only when you are ready to use it

Whole celery stalks last two to three weeks when stored properly. Cut celery pieces, by contrast, dry out rapidly and last only three to five days, even when wrapped and refrigerated. The exposed interior surface loses moisture quickly, and the cut exposes more of the stalk to oxidation and browning.

Store celery as a whole bunch and cut individual stalks or pieces only when you plan to eat or cook with them. If you do cut celery ahead of time—for a snack platter or meal prep—store the pieces in a container of cold water, change the water daily, and use them within three days.

Revive wilted celery with an ice bath

If celery becomes limp before you use it, submerge the stalks in a bowl of ice water for 30 minutes to an hour. The cold water rehydrates the cells and restores crispness. This works best on celery that is wilted but not yet yellowed or soft.

After the ice bath, pat the stalks dry, rewrap them in foil or damp paper towels, and return them to the refrigerator. An ice bath can buy you another week of usable storage, though the celery will not last as long as freshly stored celery. Use revived celery within a few days.

Signs that celery has gone bad

Discard celery if the stalks are soft or mushy, if they smell sour or fermented, or if the cut base is dark brown or black. Yellow or pale outer stalks are normal and can be removed, but widespread yellowing throughout the bunch means the celery is past its prime. Sliminess on the surface is a sign of bacterial growth and means the celery should not be eaten.

Celery that has been stored for more than three weeks, even when wrapped and refrigerated, is likely to have lost most of its nutritional value and crispness. When in doubt, taste a small piece; if it tastes bitter or off, throw it away.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I freeze celery?

Yes, but frozen celery becomes soft and is best used in soups, stews, or stocks rather than eaten raw. Blanch the stalks in boiling water for two minutes, cool them in ice water, pat them dry, and freeze them in a freezer bag. Frozen celery lasts three to four months but loses its crunch.

Why does celery smell bad in the refrigerator?

Celery releases sulfur compounds as it decays, which create a sour or rotten smell. This usually means mold or bacteria is growing on the stalks. Check the bunch for soft spots or slime, remove any damaged stalks, and ensure the remaining celery is wrapped and stored in a sealed container to prevent the smell from spreading to other foods.

How long does celery last if I leave it in the plastic bag from the store?

Celery in its original plastic bag typically lasts five to seven days before wilting noticeably. The bag traps moisture and restricts airflow, which speeds decay. Transferring it to foil or paper towels immediately after you bring it home adds one to two weeks to its life.

Does celery last longer if I blanch it before storing?

Blanching celery before refrigerating it does not extend its shelf life significantly and removes some nutrients and flavor. Wrapping in foil or paper towels is simpler and more effective for fresh storage. Blanch celery only if you plan to freeze it for later use in cooked dishes.

Can I store celery in the freezer without blanching?

Yes, but unblanched frozen celery will be softer and may have a slightly off flavor. If you freeze it without blanching, use it within one to two months and only in cooked dishes. Blanching before freezing preserves color, texture, and flavor better and extends freezer storage to three to four months.