How to store celery in the fridge, and how to freeze it
Quick answer
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Fridge
Keeps for 1-2 weeks
Store celery in a clean refrigerator at 40°F (4°C) or below, and refrigerate pre-cut or packaged celery too.
Watch out Throw away celery that looks rotten, and cut away damaged or bruised areas.
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Freezer
Keeps for 10-12 months
Blanch or partially cook celery in boiling water or in a microwave oven, chill it rapidly, and then freeze it.
Celery keeps 1 to 2 weeks in the fridge, counted from the day you bought it, and 10 to 12 months in the freezer. Store it in a clean refrigerator at 40°F (4°C) or below. Blanch it before you freeze it, and throw it away if it looks rotten.
Buying celery this week?
On a Listonic list, every item gets the amount you need and a note on when to use it by.
- Quantity and unit on every item
- A note like “fridge, use within a week”
- One list shared with everyone at home
Celery keeps 1 to 2 weeks in the fridge and 10 to 12 months in the freezer, according to the USDA’s FoodKeeper. Keep it in a clean refrigerator at 40°F (4°C) or below, and blanch it before you freeze it.
This guide covers how long celery lasts, how to store and freeze it, how to wash it, and what to do with celery that looks bad.
How long does celery last in the fridge?
Celery is good for 1 to 2 weeks in the fridge, counted from the day you bought it. That’s the time USDA FoodKeeper gives for celery.
In the freezer, celery lasts 10 to 12 months, also counted from the day you bought it. Celery root is listed separately, and it keeps 1 week in the fridge.
| Celery | How long |
|---|---|
| Celery in the fridge | 1 to 2 weeks |
| Celery in the freezer | 10 to 12 months |
| Celery root in the fridge | 1 week |
How to store celery in the fridge
Store celery in a clean refrigerator at 40°F (4°C) or below. The FDA gives this advice for perishable fresh vegetables, and celery keeps 1 to 2 weeks there.
Celery that you buy pre-cut or packaged goes in the fridge too. At the store, choose pre-cut or packaged celery only if it’s refrigerated or surrounded by ice.
How to keep celery fresh
To keep celery fresh, choose celery that isn’t bruised or damaged, keep it refrigerated at 40°F (4°C) or below, and use it within 1 to 2 weeks.
If part of the celery gets damaged or bruised, cut that part away before you prepare or eat the rest.
Can you freeze celery?
Yes, you can freeze celery, and FoodKeeper lists 10 to 12 months in the freezer, counted from the day you bought it. Blanch it first, following the USDA’s advice for vegetables that freeze well.
How to freeze celery
To freeze celery, blanch it first, chill it rapidly, and then freeze it. The USDA says most vegetables that freeze well need this brief, partial cooking to prevent deterioration.
- Wash the celery thoroughly under running water.
- Blanch or partially cook it in boiling water or in a microwave oven.
- Chill it rapidly.
- Freeze it, and use it within the 10 to 12 months FoodKeeper lists.
Can you freeze chopped celery or celery stalks?
Yes, you can freeze chopped celery or celery stalks for 10 to 12 months. FoodKeeper lists one freezer time for celery, counted from the day you bought it.
Blanch the celery first in either form, then chill it rapidly, as in the steps above.
How to tell if celery is bad
Throw away celery that looks rotten, according to the FDA’s guidance on selecting and serving produce safely.
If only part of the celery is damaged or bruised, cut that part away before you prepare or eat the rest. Also count the days, since celery keeps 1 to 2 weeks in the fridge.
How to wash celery
Wash celery thoroughly under running water before you prepare or eat it, gently rubbing it as you rinse. You don’t need soap or a produce wash. Soap, detergent, and commercial produce wash aren’t recommended, because produce is porous and can absorb them.
Wash celery before you cut it, so dirt and bacteria aren’t carried from the surface when you cut. Dry it with a clean cloth or paper towel to further reduce bacteria. Washing reduces bacteria but doesn’t eliminate them.
Frequently asked questions
Does celery go bad?
Yes, celery goes bad. It keeps 1 to 2 weeks in the fridge, and you should throw it away if it looks rotten.
How long does celery root last?
Celery root lasts 1 week in the fridge, according to USDA FoodKeeper.
Does pre-cut celery need to be refrigerated?
Yes. The FDA says to refrigerate all produce you buy pre-cut or packaged, and to choose only items that are refrigerated or surrounded by ice.
Can you eat celery with bruised spots?
Cut away damaged or bruised areas of the celery before you prepare or eat it. If the celery looks rotten, throw it away.
Do you have to blanch celery before freezing it?
Yes, blanch it first. The USDA says most vegetables that freeze well need brief, partial cooking, called blanching, to prevent deterioration. Do it in boiling water or in a microwave oven, then chill the celery rapidly.
