Fresh celery stalks

Storage Time

Fresh celery stalks can last for 1 to 2 weeks when properly stored in the refrigerator, maintaining their crisp texture. For extended preservation, celery can be frozen for up to 6 to 8 months, though its texture will soften considerably upon thawing.

Temperature

Keep fresh celery refrigerated at an ideal temperature range of 0–4°C (32–40°F) to effectively slow down spoilage, prevent wilting, and maintain its desirable crispness.

Freezing

To successfully freeze fresh celery, begin by thoroughly washing and drying the stalks. You can then chop them into your desired sizes, whether diced for soups and stews or larger pieces for making vegetable stock. While blanching the celery in boiling water for 2-3 minutes before freezing can help preserve its color and some nutrients, it's not strictly necessary if you intend to use it solely in cooked dishes where texture isn't the primary concern. Pack the prepared celery tightly into airtight freezer bags or rigid containers, ensuring to remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. Label with the date. Be aware that frozen celery will lose its characteristic crispness and become soft when thawed, making it best suited for cooked applications like casseroles, stir-fries, or adding to broths, rather than for raw consumption. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator or add directly to hot dishes.

Signs of Spoilage

• The celery stalks become noticeably limp, rubbery, or bendy instead of snapping crisply, indicating significant moisture loss and a decline in freshness.
• A distinct change in color from a vibrant, healthy green to dull yellow, brown, or even black spots appearing on the stalks or leaves, signaling deterioration.
• The development of a slimy or mushy texture on the surface of the stalks, often accompanied by a sour, musty, or otherwise unpleasant odor, which is a clear sign of bacterial growth and spoilage.