Crunchy celery can make your soups, salads, and snacks crunchy too. Storing celery properly can keep it crisp longer. You can wrap celery in aluminum foil, store celery in water, or use paper towels. However, be sure to discard any celery that has rotted. Generally, celery can be stored for 3-4 weeks.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Storing Celery in Aluminum Foil
Step 1. Wrap the celery tightly in aluminum foil
Celery often rots because it releases ethylene, which is a ripening hormone. When wrapped in aluminum foil, these hormones will come out. Meanwhile, if stored in plastic, the ethylene will be trapped in it, causing the celery to wilt. In this way, aluminum foil can help prevent the celery from overcooking and losing its crunch.
- Ethylene is a hormone secreted by plants naturally. Ethylene is a maturation and aging hormone that causes plants to mature and then decompose. Although ethylene is required for plant maturation, it can cause plants to overripe and rot after a certain point.
- Storing celery in a plastic bag will trap the ethylene and speed up the spoilage of the celery.
Step 2. Re-wrap the celery after each use
After using celery for food, be sure to wrap the rest back in aluminum foil. Remember to wrap the celery tightly to allow the ethylene to escape.
If the aluminum coating you are using starts to get dirty, replace it with a new one
Step 3. Store celery for 3-4 weeks
Store celery in the refrigerator. In this way, the celery should be preserved for 3-4 weeks. After that, the celery will begin to rot and should be discarded.
- It can be helpful to write down the initial date for storing celery on a layer of aluminum foil to help you remember.
- Celery should not be eaten after it has rotted. Celery that has been rotten is whitish. The middle is empty, while the stems begin to bend away from the stems.
Method 2 of 3: Using Kitchen Tissue
Step 1. Wet a tissue
Prepare a large sheet of paper towels enough to cover the celery stalks. Wet a paper towel with tap water until it is damp, but not soaking.
You can also use filtered water to wet the tissue if you prefer
Step 2. Wrap the tissue at the base of the celery stalk
Fold the tissue in half. Then, slowly wrap it up to cover the entire stalk of celery. After the celery is completely wrapped, prepare the rubber bands. Use a rubber band to hold the tissue wrap on the celery stalk.
Step 3. Wrap the celery in a plastic bag
Now, you can wrap the celery in its plastic bag. However, do not let the ethylene trapped in it. Ethylene is a ripening hormone that can speed up the decay of celery. For that, wrap the celery in a plastic bag tightly so that the ethylene can be released. Next, use a rubber band to hold the plastic bag in place.
Step 4. Discard the celery once it has rotted
Watch for signs of spoilage on the celery. You may notice the celery stalks begin to curl away from the stems, turn white in color, and the center becomes empty. Celery can usually last for 3-4 weeks if stored in the refrigerator.
Method 3 of 3: Storing Celery In Water
Step 1. Prepare the celery for storage
You'll need to chop the celery up to keep it in the water. For starters, cut the celery stalks from the base.
- You should also cut the leaves. So, if you want to use celery leaves in cooking, store them elsewhere.
- After the celery leaves and stalks are cut, cut each celery stalk in half.
Step 2. Place the celery in the container
Choose a container that can hold all the pieces of celery. The size of the container should also be large enough so that you can leave about 2.5 cm of free space at the top. A Tupperware container or large bowl should work.
A container that closes easily is the best choice. The less celery is exposed to air, the better
Step 3. Fill the bowl with water
Use filtered water as tap water may carry chemicals. Pour enough water to cover the celery. Close the celery container tightly and then put it in the refrigerator. If the container you are using does not have a lid, use plastic wrap instead.
Step 4. Change the water every day
Remember, you have to change the water. This method will not give maximum results if the celery is submerged in the same water every day.
- Remember to use filtered water instead of tap water.
- This method can also be used on other root crops to maintain their crispiness.
Step 5. Discard celery that has rotted
Eventually, even if stored properly, celery will rot. Celery will usually rot after 3-4 weeks.
