The Only Way You Should Store Celery, According to a Food Expert

Published in Food and Wine on Wednesday, August 13th 2025 at 7:40 GMT by Simply Recipes
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An expert's tips for bidding farewell to rotten stalks.

The Only Way to Store Celery, According to Experts

Celery is one of those versatile vegetables that finds its way into countless recipes, from crunchy snacks and salads to soups, stews, and even smoothies. It's packed with nutrients like vitamins K and C, fiber, and antioxidants, making it a staple for health-conscious eaters. However, anyone who's ever bought a bunch of celery knows the frustration of watching it go limp and wilted in the fridge after just a few days. That crisp snap disappears, and you're left with rubbery stalks that are more suited for the compost bin than your next meal. But what if there was a simple, foolproof method to keep celery fresh and crunchy for weeks? According to food storage experts and kitchen hacks shared by culinary professionals, there is indeed "the only way" to store celery properly—and it involves a surprising household item: aluminum foil.

The core issue with celery storage lies in its sensitivity to moisture and ethylene gas. Celery is about 95% water, which means it can quickly lose its hydration in the dry environment of a refrigerator. At the same time, it produces ethylene gas, a natural ripening hormone that accelerates spoilage in produce. When celery is stored in its original plastic bag or even in a produce drawer without protection, this gas gets trapped, causing the stalks to soften and yellow prematurely. Plastic bags, in particular, create a humid microclimate that promotes mold and bacterial growth, turning your celery into a soggy mess. Refrigerators are designed to preserve food, but their low humidity and circulating air can dehydrate celery, while any exposure to fruits like apples or bananas (which also emit ethylene) exacerbates the problem.

Enter the aluminum foil method, hailed by experts from sources like the Food Network and America's Test Kitchen as the ultimate solution. The technique is straightforward and requires minimal effort. Start by purchasing fresh celery—look for bunches with bright green, firm stalks and fresh leaves, avoiding any that are already bending or discolored. Once home, resist the urge to wash it immediately, as excess moisture can invite spoilage. Instead, remove the celery from its plastic packaging right away. If the base is particularly dirty or woody, you can trim it slightly, but that's optional.

Now, grab a sheet of aluminum foil large enough to wrap the entire bunch. Lay the celery on the foil, ensuring the stalks are aligned and not overlapping too much. Fold the foil over the celery, creating a loose but secure wrap. The key here is to make it airtight yet not too tight—think of it like swaddling a baby, where air can still circulate minimally but moisture is contained. Avoid crimping the edges too aggressively; a gentle seal is sufficient. This foil barrier works wonders because it blocks ethylene gas from escaping and affecting other produce, while also preventing the celery from absorbing odors or gases from nearby items in the fridge. Unlike plastic, foil doesn't trap humidity in a way that leads to condensation and rot; instead, it maintains the celery's natural moisture balance.

Place the wrapped bundle in the crisper drawer of your refrigerator, ideally in a spot where it's not squished by heavier items. The ideal temperature for storing celery is between 32°F and 40°F, which most fridge crispers provide. With this method, experts claim celery can stay fresh for up to two to four weeks—far longer than the typical three to five days it lasts in plastic. Tests conducted by home cooks and food bloggers consistently show that foil-wrapped celery retains its signature crunch, with minimal wilting even after extended periods. For instance, one popular demonstration involves comparing foil-wrapped celery to that stored in plastic: after a week, the plastic version is limp and discolored, while the foil one remains vibrant and snappy.

Why does aluminum foil outperform other storage options? It's all about its impermeable nature. Plastic bags and containers allow gases to permeate, but foil acts as a shield. Some people swear by storing celery in water, like a bouquet of flowers, but this requires daily water changes and can lead to bacterial growth if not managed perfectly. Submerging cut stalks in a jar of water works for short-term use but isn't ideal for whole bunches. Vacuum-sealing is another alternative, but it often crushes the delicate stalks and isn't practical for everyday storage. Paper towels can absorb excess moisture, but they don't address the ethylene issue as effectively as foil. In fact, wrapping in damp paper towels and then plastic might extend life slightly, but it pales in comparison to the foil hack's simplicity and effectiveness.

Beyond basic storage, there are a few pro tips to maximize celery's longevity. If you're dealing with pre-cut celery sticks, the foil method still applies—wrap them loosely to prevent drying out. For those who buy organic or farmers' market celery, which might not have been treated with preservatives, this technique is especially beneficial. And if you notice any outer stalks starting to wilt after a couple of weeks, simply peel them off; the inner ones often remain pristine. Freezing is an option for long-term preservation—blanch the celery first, then freeze in airtight bags—but that's for when you can't use it fresh. The foil method, however, keeps it ready-to-eat without the texture loss that freezing causes.

This storage hack isn't just about reducing food waste; it's a game-changer for meal preppers and busy households. Imagine always having crisp celery on hand for ants-on-a-log snacks, mirepoix bases for cooking, or quick crudité platters. Environmentally, it cuts down on unnecessary plastic use, as you're repurposing foil (which can often be recycled) instead of relying on single-use bags. Cost-wise, celery is inexpensive, but throwing away half a bunch every time adds up. By adopting this expert-recommended approach, you're not only extending the life of your produce but also enhancing your overall kitchen efficiency.

In a world of endless food storage gadgets—from specialized containers to humidity-controlled pods—the aluminum foil method stands out for its accessibility and proven results. It's a testament to how sometimes the simplest solutions are the most effective. Next time you bring home a bunch of celery, skip the plastic and reach for the foil. Your salads, soups, and snacks will thank you, and you'll wonder why you ever stored it any other way. This technique, endorsed by culinary authorities, truly is the only way to ensure your celery stays as fresh as the day you bought it.

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The Only Way You Should Store Celery, According to a Food Expert

The Only Way to Store Celery, According to Experts