How Long Does Celery Last? Complete Guide

Do you love the crisp, refreshing celery taste in your salads and sandwiches? If so, you’re not alone. Celery is a popular vegetable that’s enjoyed by people all over the world. But have you ever wondered how long does celery last?

Celery is a type of vegetable that belongs to the Apiaceae family. It’s a member of the Umbelliferae group, including carrots, parsley, fennel, and dill. Celery is a long, thin, green plant with white flesh. It has a mild, slightly sweet taste and is often used in salads, soups, and garnish.

Celery is a good source of vitamins A, C, and K. It also contains minerals such as potassium and magnesium. Celery is low in calories and fat, making it a healthy addition to any diet.

So, how long does celery last? Let’s find out.

How long is celery good for?

Celery is a perishable food, which means that it will eventually spoil. The shelf life of celery depends on a number of factors; we will explore the five main elements below.

1) Storage Conditions: 

Storage condition is the most important factor that affects the shelf life of celery. The celery stored in an airtight container will last much longer than the celery stored in a plastic bag. The storage temperate also affects the shelf life of celery. For example, celery stored in a fridge will last longer than celery stored at room temperature.

2) Type of Celery: 

There are two types of celery, Pascal celery, and leaf celery. Pascal celery is the most common type of celery. It has a thick stalk and is crunchy. Leaf celery is less common and has a thinner stalk. Leaf celery has a more delicate flavor than Pascal celery. It’s also known as cutting celery or soup celery.

3) How it Was Grown: 

The way the celery was grown also affects its shelf life. Celery that was grown organically will last longer than celery is grown with pesticides. Some celery is also irradiated, which can extend its shelf life. When celery is irradiated, it’s exposed to high levels of radiation, which kills bacteria and other microorganisms.

4) Whether It’s Washed: 

Celery that has been washed will last longer than celery that hasn’t been washed. This is because washing removes dirt, bacteria, and other contaminants from the surface of the celery.

5) When you picked it: 

Celery that you picked recently will last longer than celery picked a long time ago. The sooner you eat celery after it’s picked, the fresher it will be. The expiration date is also a factor; celery closer to the expiration date will spoil faster than celery further from the expiration date.

How long does celery last in the fridge?

If you store celery in the fridge, it will last about 2-3 weeks. The key to storing celery in the fridge is to ensure that it’s stored in an airtight container. This will help to keep the celery fresh and crunchy.

You can also extend the shelf life of celery by wrapping it in a damp paper towel. This will help to keep the celery from drying out. So, if you’re planning on storing celery in the fridge, make sure to wrap it in a damp paper towel before putting it in the airtight container.

 

How to tell if celery has gone bad?

There are a few things to check that celery has gone bad. Here  are some things to look for:

1) The celery is limp: 

If the celery is limp, it’s a sign that it’s starting to spoil. Celery should be crisp and crunchy. If it’s limp, it’s losing its moisture and is on the verge of spoiling.

2) The celery is brown: 

If the celery is brown, it’s a sign that it’s starting to rot. Brown spots on celery are sure that it’s time to throw it out.

3) The celery has mold: 

If the celery has mold, it means that it’s spoiled. Mold can cause respiratory problems and other health problems, so it’s best to avoid celery that has mold on it.

4) The celery has an off odor: 

The Celery should have a fresh, crisp smell. If it doesn’t smell fresh, it’s best to throw it out. If the celery has an off odor, it’s a sign that it’s spoiled.

When in doubt, throw it out!

If you’re not sure whether or not the celery is still good, it’s best to err on the side of caution and throw it out. It’s better to be safe than sorry when it comes to food safety.

The Best way to Store Celery: 

If you want to extend the shelf life of celery, there are a few things you can do.

1) Store celery in the fridge:

The best way to store celery is in the fridge. Make sure to store it in an airtight container and wrap it in a damp paper towel. This will help to keep the celery crisp.

2) Store celery in a jar of water:

Another way to store celery is in a jar of water. Cut the celery into pieces and place it in a jar of water. Make sure to change the water every few days to keep the celery fresh.

3) Store celery in the freezer:

If you want to store celery for a more extended period of time, you can place it in the freezer. Cut the celery into pieces and put it in a freezer-safe bag. This will help to keep the celery fresh for up to six months.

4)  Use  celery within two days of purchase:

If you plan on using celery within a few days of purchasing it, simply store it in a plastic bag in the crisper drawer of your fridge. This will help to keep the celery fresh and crisp.

 

Conclusion:

Celery can last anywhere from two days to 4 weeks, depending on how it is stored. No matter how you choose to store celery, it is essential to ensure that it is stored in a cool, dark place. This will help to keep the celery fresh and crisp.

Now that you know how to store celery, you can enjoy it for a more extended period of time. Just follow the proper storage instructions and consume it within a few days of purchase.