You can store celery root in the refrigerator for several weeks, and with a few simple techniques, it can last for months.
Celery root, also called celeriac, is that knobby, slightly ugly vegetable that tastes like a cross between celery and parsley.
If you’ve ever bought one, you know it’s dense and hearty, so it doesn’t spoil as quickly as leafy greens.
The key to storing celery root well is controlling moisture and temperature.
Too much moisture and it gets moldy, too little and it turns soft and woody.
In this post, we’ll look at exactly how to store celery root so it stays fresh, whether you’re keeping it for a week or a whole season.
You’ll learn the best methods for the fridge, the freezer, and even a cool garage or basement if you have one.
Let’s dive in.
How Do You Store Celery Root?
Storing celery root is easier than you might think, and the method you choose depends on how long you want to keep it.
The short answer is this: keep celery root in the refrigerator, unwashed, in a perforated plastic bag or a loosely closed container.
That said, there are a few nuances that make a big difference.
Let’s break it down.
1. Refrigerator Storage for Short to Medium Term
For everyday use, the fridge is your best friend.
First, do not wash your celery root before storing it.
The dirt on the outside actually helps protect it, and moisture from washing can invite rot.
Instead, brush off any loose soil with your hands or a dry cloth.
Then, wrap the celery root loosely in a paper towel or a clean kitchen towel.
This absorbs excess moisture while still letting the vegetable breathe.
Next, place the wrapped root inside a perforated plastic bag or a reusable silicone bag with a few small holes.
If you don’t have a perforated bag, a regular zip-top bag with the zipper left slightly open works fine.
Put the bag in your fridge’s crisper drawer, which is designed to maintain higher humidity.
Stored this way, celery root will keep for three to six weeks, sometimes even longer.
Check on it every week or so and remove any soft spots before they spread.
2. Long-Term Storage in a Root Cellar or Cool Room
If you grow your own celery root or buy it in bulk, you can store it for months without electricity.
The ideal conditions are a dark, humid place with temperatures between 32°F and 40°F (0°C to 4°C).
A root cellar, a cold basement, or even an unheated garage can work if it stays above freezing.
To store celery root this way, layer the roots in a box or crate filled with slightly damp sand, peat moss, or sawdust.
Make sure the roots aren’t touching each other, and keep the packing material just barely moist.
If the material dries out, mist it with a little water, but never soak it.
This method keeps celery root firm and flavorful for four to six months.
It’s the old-fashioned way, and it still works beautifully.
3. Freezing Celery Root for Even Longer Storage
Freezing changes the texture a bit, but it’s perfect if you plan to cook with celery root later.
Start by scrubbing the root clean and peeling off the thick, knobby skin.
Cut it into cubes, slices, or matchsticks, depending on how you’ll use it.
Then, blanch the pieces in boiling water for two to three minutes.
Blanching stops enzymes that would otherwise turn the celery root brown and mushy in the freezer.
Immediately transfer the pieces to an ice bath to cool them down quickly.
Drain them well and pat dry with a clean towel.
Spread the pieces on a baking sheet and freeze them for an hour or two.
Once frozen solid, transfer them to freezer-safe bags or containers, squeezing out as much air as possible.
Label with the date and use within eight to twelve months.
Frozen celery root works great in soups, stews, and purees, though it won’t be crisp enough for raw salads.
4. What About Storing Celery Root Already Cut?
If you’ve already peeled and cut your celery root, you need to treat it differently.
Place the cut pieces in a bowl of cold water with a squeeze of lemon juice.
The lemon slows down oxidation, which turns the flesh brown.
Cover the bowl and put it in the fridge for up to three days.
Change the water daily to keep it fresh.
Alternatively, you can store cut celery root in a sealed container lined with a damp paper towel.
It won’t last as long as whole root, so plan to use it within a few days.
5. Signs Your Celery Root Has Gone Bad
Even with perfect storage, celery root can spoil.
Watch for soft, mushy spots, a sour smell, or dark mold.
If the root feels slimy or has hollow pockets, toss it.
A little surface mold can be cut away, but if it’s deep, don’t risk it.
Also, if the celery root has started sprouting green shoots, it’s still safe but the flavor will be bitter.
Use your senses: fresh celery root smells earthy and faintly of celery, and it feels firm and heavy for its size.
So, How Do You Store Celery Root?
You store celery root by keeping it cool, dark, and slightly humid, whether in your fridge, a root cellar, or the freezer.
The best method for you depends on how soon you’ll eat it and how much space you have.
For quick use, the fridge with a paper towel and a breathable bag is simple and effective.
For a long harvest, sand or sawdust in a cold room can’t be beat.
And for cooking later, blanching and freezing gives you months of convenience.
No matter which way you choose, a little care goes a long way toward keeping that earthy, celery-like flavor intact.
So next time you bring home a knobby celery root, you’ll know exactly how to store it.