Celery — Nutrients, Health Benefits, And Shopping Tips

Choose celery with crisp stalks and bright green leaves. Stalks should snap easily when pulled, indicating freshness. The base should be firm and not splayed out.

Steer clear of celery with limp stalks or yellowing leaves, signs of age or improper storage. Quality celery will be free from brown patches on the stalks.

Fresh celery should be kept in the refrigerator, ideally in the crisper drawer. Wrap it in aluminum foil to help it stay crisp. Properly stored, celery can last up to two weeks.

Excess moisture can cause celery to become limp, so avoid washing it before storing. Storing celery near ethylene-producing fruits like apples can accelerate spoilage. Ensure it is dry and wrapped well to maintain its crunchiness.

Celery can last for 1-2 weeks in the refrigerator. To keep it fresh, store it in a plastic bag or container with a paper towel to absorb excess moisture. For best results, keep it in the crisper drawer of the refrigerator.

Leftover celery can be used in a variety of dishes. Chop it and add to soups, stews, or casseroles for extra flavor and crunch, or use it as a base for salads with a tangy dressing. Celery is also great in stir-fries with other vegetables and protein.

Use celery in a stuffing or grain salad, where its crisp texture adds a refreshing contrast to softer ingredients. If you have a lot of celery, consider making a batch of celery soup with potatoes and herbs, or using it in a crudité platter with dips like hummus or ranch. Celery can also be chopped and mixed into tuna or chicken salad for a crunchy bite, or used as a garnish for Bloody Mary cocktails. For a quick snack, try filling celery sticks with peanut butter or cream cheese and topping with raisins for a classic treat.