Celery is one of those vegetables we often buy with the best intentions—whether for soups, snacks, or juice—but then forget in the crisper drawer. If you’ve ever pulled out a limp or slimy bunch and wondered how long does celery last in the fridge, you’re not alone. This guide explains celery’s shelf life, the best storage methods, and how to tell when it’s gone bad.
Quick Answer
- Whole celery stalks: 2–4 weeks in the fridge if stored properly.
- Cut celery sticks: 5–7 days in an airtight container or water.
- Cooked celery: 3–4 days in the fridge.
- Frozen celery: Up to 12 months, but best for soups and stews (not fresh eating).
Why Celery Goes Bad
Celery is about 95% water. This high water content makes it prone to wilting, drying out, or becoming mushy. Exposure to air, moisture loss, and improper storage speed up spoilage.
Signs Celery Has Gone Bad
- Texture: Limp, rubbery, or slimy stalks.
- Color: Yellowing or browning leaves and stalks.
- Smell: Sour or off odor instead of fresh and crisp.
- Mold: Visible spots or fuzzy growth mean it’s unsafe.
Best Ways to Store Celery in the Fridge
1. In Aluminum Foil
Wrapping celery tightly in aluminum foil allows ethylene gas (a natural ripening gas) to escape while keeping moisture inside. This method keeps celery crisp for up to 4 weeks.
2. In Water
Place celery sticks in a container filled with cold water, covered with a lid. This method keeps cut celery fresh and crunchy for up to 7 days. Change the water every 2–3 days.
3. In a Plastic Bag
Leaving celery in the plastic bag from the store usually keeps it fresh for about 1–2 weeks. Not the best method, but convenient.
4. In a Glass Storage Container
Airtight glass containers prevent excess air exposure and preserve celery’s crunch. Works best for cut celery sticks stored for snacking.
How to Revive Limp Celery
- Trim the ends.
- Place stalks in a bowl of ice water for 30–60 minutes.
- The water will rehydrate the fibers, restoring crispness (works best if celery isn’t spoiled yet).
Freezing Celery for Long-Term Storage
- Wash and chop celery into pieces.
- Blanch in boiling water for 3 minutes, then transfer to an ice bath.
- Drain, pat dry, and freeze in airtight bags.
- Use frozen celery for soups, stews, and stir-fries—texture will be soft after thawing.
Celery Shelf Life Chart
| Form | Fridge Shelf Life | Freezer Shelf Life |
|---|---|---|
| Whole stalks | 2–4 weeks | 12 months (blanched) |
| Cut sticks | 5–7 days | 12 months |
| Cooked celery | 3–4 days | 2–3 months |
Tips to Make Celery Last Longer
- Keep it whole until ready to use—cut celery spoils faster.
- Don’t wash until just before eating (moisture encourages spoilage).
- Wrap tightly in foil or store in water for maximum crispness.
- Store in the crisper drawer where humidity helps prevent wilting.
Creative Ways to Use Celery Before It Goes Bad
- Soups and stews: Classic base for flavor.
- Celery juice: Popular health drink.
- Stir-fries: Adds crunch and freshness.
- Stocks and broths: Freeze chopped celery for future stock-making.
- Snacks: Fill with peanut butter, cream cheese, or hummus.
Quick Picks: Best Storage Containers for Celery
- Best Overall: OXO Good Grips GreenSaver Produce Keeper — Keeps celery fresh with carbon filter technology.
- Best Budget: Rubbermaid FreshWorks Produce Saver — Affordable and effective for extending shelf life.
- Best Premium: Glasslock Airtight Containers — Glass storage for freshness and durability.
Buyer’s Guide: What to Look For in Celery Storage
- Airtight seal: Prevents excess air exposure.
- Moisture control: Containers with vents or filters prevent spoilage.
- Size: Tall containers are best for whole stalks; smaller for sticks.
- Material: Glass containers don’t absorb odors, while BPA-free plastic is lightweight and affordable.
FAQ
Does celery last longer wrapped in foil?
Yes, wrapping celery in foil helps it last up to 4 weeks by letting gas escape while locking in moisture.
Is limp celery safe to eat?
Yes, if there’s no mold or bad odor. You can revive limp celery in ice water.
Can I store celery at room temperature?
Not recommended. It will wilt within 1–2 days outside the fridge.
Can I freeze celery without blanching?
You can, but blanching preserves flavor, texture, and color better.
Why does celery get stringy?
As celery ages, its fibers toughen and become more noticeable. Fresh, young celery is less stringy.
Conclusion
Celery lasts 2–4 weeks in the fridge when stored properly. Cut celery lasts about a week, while cooked celery lasts just a few days. To extend shelf life, wrap celery in foil, store it in water, or use airtight containers.
For long-term storage, blanch and freeze celery to use later in soups and stews. And if you find limp celery, don’t toss it right away—try reviving it in ice water.
Want to keep your celery fresher for longer? Invest in an OXO GreenSaver Container or Glasslock Airtight Storage Set for maximum freshness.
Shop the best storage containers today and keep your celery crisp for weeks.