Celery will keep in the refrigerator for about one to two weeks when stored properly.
That’s the short answer, but how long celery actually keeps in the refrigerator depends on a few key factors like how fresh it was when you bought it and how you store it.
If you just toss the whole bunch into the crisper drawer without any prep, you might only get a week or less before it starts to go limp.
But with the right technique, you can stretch how long celery will keep in the refrigerator to a solid two weeks or even a little longer.
In this post, we’ll break down exactly how long celery last in the refrigerator, the best ways to store it so it stays crisp, and how to tell when it’s time to toss it.
Let’s get to it.
How Long Will Celery Keep in the Refrigerator?
Celery will keep in the refrigerator for one to two weeks under ideal conditions.
That’s the general range, but there are some variables that affect how long celery stays fresh in the refrigerator.
1. Freshness at Purchase Matters
How long celery keeps in the refrigerator starts with how fresh it was when you brought it home.
If the celery was already a few days old at the grocery store, it won’t last as long in your fridge.
Look for stalks that are firm, crisp, and snap easily when you bend them.
Avoid bunches with brown spots, yellowing leaves, or a limp, rubbery feel.
Those are signs the celery is already past its prime and won’t keep long in the refrigerator.
2. Whole vs. Cut Celery
Whole celery stalks will keep in the refrigerator longer than cut pieces.
That’s because cutting exposes the inner cells to air, which speeds up moisture loss and oxidation.
A whole bunch of celery can last up to two weeks in the refrigerator, while cut celery might only stay fresh for five to seven days.
If you do cut your celery ahead of time, store it in an airtight container with a little water to help it last longer.
3. Temperature and Placement
The refrigerator temperature should be between 32°F and 40°F for celery to keep well.
The crisper drawer is the best spot because it’s designed to maintain higher humidity, which celery loves.
If your fridge runs warmer than 40°F, celery won’t keep as long and may start to spoil faster.
So keep an eye on your fridge temp if you want celery to last.
Best Ways to Store Celery So It Keeps Longer in the Refrigerator
How you store celery makes a huge difference in how long it will keep in the refrigerator.
Here are the best methods to keep those stalks crisp and fresh.
1. Wrap in Aluminum Foil
Wrapping celery in aluminum foil is one of the best tricks for extending how long celery keeps in the refrigerator.
Foil allows ethylene gas to escape while keeping moisture in, which helps celery stay crisp for up to two weeks.
Just wrap the whole bunch tightly in foil and place it in the crisper drawer.
Don’t wash it before storing, since excess moisture can cause it to rot faster.
2. Use a Plastic Bag with Paper Towels
If foil isn’t your thing, a plastic bag with a dry paper towel works well too.
The paper towel absorbs excess moisture that can lead to sliminess.
Place the celery in a zip-top bag, add a paper towel, and seal it loosely.
This method will help celery keep in the refrigerator for about one to two weeks.
3. Store Cut Celery in Water
For cut celery sticks, place them upright in a jar or container with about an inch of water.
Cover loosely with a plastic bag or lid and change the water every couple of days.
This keeps the celery hydrated and helps it keep in the refrigerator for up to a week or more.
4. Keep Away from Ethylene Producers
Celery is sensitive to ethylene gas, which is released by fruits like bananas, apples, and tomatoes.
If you store celery near these, it will spoil faster and won’t keep as long in the refrigerator.
Keep ethylene-producing fruits in a separate drawer to help your celery last longer.
How to Tell If Celery Has Gone Bad
Even with perfect storage, celery will eventually go bad.
Here’s how to tell when it’s time to toss it.
1. It’s Limp and Rubbery
If the stalks bend instead of snap, the celery has lost its moisture and won’t keep much longer in the refrigerator.
You can try reviving it by soaking the stalks in ice water for 30 minutes, but if they stay limp, it’s time to let them go.
2. Brown or Slimy Spots
Brown patches, dark streaks, or a slimy texture are clear signs the celery has started to rot.
Once slime appears, the celery is no longer safe to eat and should be thrown out.
3. Off Smell or Taste
Fresh celery has a clean, mild, slightly peppery scent.
If it smells sour, musty, or just off, that’s a sign it’s past its prime and won’t keep any longer in the refrigerator.
So, How Long Will Celery Keep in the Refrigerator?
Celery will keep in the refrigerator for about one to two weeks when stored properly.
The key is to start with fresh celery, wrap it in foil or a paper towel-lined bag, and keep it in the crisper drawer away from ethylene-producing fruits.
With those simple steps, you’ll get the most out of your celery and avoid tossing it before you get a chance to use it.
Now you know exactly how long celery keeps in the refrigerator and how to make it last.