To store celery root, you need to control moisture, temperature, and airflow so it stays firm and flavorful for weeks.
Celery root, also called celeriac, is a hardy winter vegetable that keeps well when stored properly.
If you simply toss it in the fridge without any prep, it can soften, sprout, or turn moldy faster than you’d expect.
In this post, we’ll walk through exactly how to store celery root, from short-term fridge methods to long-term root cellar techniques.
By the end, you’ll know how to store celery root so it lasts for months without losing its nutty, celery-like taste.
How to Store Celery Root: The Basics
Knowing how to store celery root starts with understanding what this vegetable needs.
Celery root thrives in cold, humid conditions, which is why a refrigerator or a root cellar works so well.
The goal when you store celery root is to keep it hydrated but not wet, and cool but not freezing.
1. Choose Firm, Healthy Roots
Before you even think about how to store celery root, pick the best specimens.
Look for roots that feel heavy for their size and have firm, unblemished skin.
Avoid any celery root with soft spots, cracks, or signs of mold, because those will spoil quickly and ruin the others.
2. Trim but Don’t Wash
When preparing celery root for storage, cut off the leafy tops and any small rootlets.
Leave the main bulb intact and do not wash it yet.
Moisture on the surface encourages mold, so keeping the celery root dry before storage is key.
3. Keep Humidity High
Celery root loses moisture fast if the air around it is dry.
That’s why the best way to store celery root is in a humid environment, ideally 90 to 95 percent humidity.
If you’re using a fridge, a perforated plastic bag or a container with a damp towel can help maintain that humidity.
Short-Term Storage: How to Store Celery Root in the Fridge
For most home cooks, the fridge is the easiest place to store celery root.
Here’s how to store celery root in the refrigerator so it stays fresh for weeks.
1. Wrap in Plastic or a Damp Cloth
Wrap each celery root loosely in a plastic bag or a slightly damp cloth.
This helps trap moisture without suffocating the vegetable.
If you use a plastic bag, poke a few holes in it so some air can circulate.
2. Use the Crisper Drawer
The crisper drawer is the ideal spot to store celery root in the fridge.
It provides higher humidity than the rest of the fridge and protects the root from temperature fluctuations.
Set the drawer to the high-humidity setting if your fridge has one.
3. Avoid Ethylene Producers
Keep celery root away from apples, bananas, and other fruits that release ethylene gas.
Ethylene speeds up ripening and can make your celery root sprout or turn soft prematurely.
When you store celery root properly, it can last four to six weeks in the fridge.
Long-Term Storage: How to Store Celery Root for Months
If you have a big harvest or bought in bulk, you’ll want to know how to store celery root for the long haul.
With the right conditions, celery root can keep for four to six months.
1. Root Cellar or Cold Basement
The traditional way to store celery root is in a root cellar.
Ideal conditions are temperatures between 32°F and 40°F (0°C to 4°C) and high humidity.
Pack the roots in damp sand, sawdust, or peat moss, and keep them in crates or bins.
This method lets you store celery root for months without any real effort.
2. Perforated Bags in a Cool Space
No root cellar? No problem.
You can store celery root in perforated plastic bags in a cool garage, shed, or unheated basement.
Just check on them every couple of weeks and remove any that show signs of rot.
3. Freezing Celery Root
If you want to store celery root even longer, freezing is an option.
Peel and cut the root into cubes, blanch them for two to three minutes, then plunge them into ice water.
Drain, pat dry, and freeze in airtight bags or containers.
Frozen celery root keeps for up to a year and works great in soups, stews, and purees.
Common Mistakes When You Store Celery Root
Even when you know how to store celery root, a few missteps can shorten its shelf life.
1. Washing Before Storing
Never wash celery root before you store it.
Extra moisture invites mold and rot, so wait until you’re ready to cook.
2. Storing Near ripening Fruits
As mentioned, ethylene gas from fruits can cause celery root to sprout or soften.
Keep them separate if you want to store celery root successfully.
3. Letting It Dry Out
Celery root needs humidity, so don’t leave it uncovered in the fridge.
A dry celery root turns spongy and loses its flavor fast.
So, How to Store Celery Root?
To store celery root, keep it cool, humid, and unwashed, whether in the fridge for weeks or a root cellar for months.
The key is to store celery root with proper moisture and airflow, avoiding ethylene-producing fruits and never washing it until you’re ready to use it.
Whether you choose the fridge, a root cellar, or the freezer, you now know how to store celery root so it stays firm and tasty.
With these tips, you can store celery root confidently and enjoy it all season long.