Celery is a tasty and nutritious vegetable that is a staple in many kitchens. It’s also quite versatile and can be used in a variety of dishes, from soups and salads to stir-fries and more. But in order to get the most out of celery, it’s important to know how to store it properly. In this blog post, we’ll discuss the best ways to store celery so that it stays fresh and crisp for longer.
Refrigerating Celery
One of the easiest and most effective ways to store celery is in the refrigerator. To do this, first trim the ends off the celery stalk and then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. This will help to keep the celery from drying out and will help to keep it fresh for up to two weeks. It’s also important to make sure that the celery is completely dry before storing, as any moisture can cause it to spoil faster.
When storing celery in the refrigerator, it’s also important to make sure that it is placed in a crisper drawer or in a sealed container to help maintain its freshness. Additionally, it’s best to store celery in an area of the refrigerator that is not too cold, as temperatures that are too low can cause the celery to become limp.
Freezing Celery
In addition to refrigerating celery, you can also freeze it to help extend its shelf life. To freeze celery, simply trim off the ends and then cut the stalks into smaller pieces. Then, place the pieces in a freezer-safe bag or container and store in the freezer. Frozen celery can last for up to three months, making it a great option for those who want to store celery for longer-term use.
When you’re ready to use the frozen celery, simply thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before using. It’s important to note, however, that frozen celery will not have the same crispness as fresh celery, so it may not be ideal for dishes that require a crunchy texture.
Storing Celery in Water
Another option for storing celery is to keep it in water. To do this, trim the ends off the celery and then place it in a container filled with an inch or two of water. Then, cover the container with a lid or plastic wrap and store in the refrigerator. The water will help to keep the celery from drying out and will help to keep it crisp for up to two weeks.
Preserving Celery
If you want to preserve celery for longer-term storage, you can also can it. To do this, trim the ends off the celery and then cut it into smaller pieces. Then, blanch the celery in boiling water for three minutes before transferring it to an ice bath. Once the celery is cool, drain it and then pack it into airtight containers or Mason jars. The celery can then be stored in the refrigerator for up to two months.
Conclusion
Storing celery properly is an important step to ensuring that it stays fresh and crisp for longer. Refrigerating, freezing, keeping in water, or preserving celery are all great options for storing celery and can help to extend its shelf life. Just be sure to take the necessary steps to properly store celery so that it stays fresh and delicious for as long as possible.