How Long Can You Store Celery In The Fridge

You can store celery in the fridge for about one to two weeks if you keep it wrapped properly and in the right spot.
 
Fresh celery stalks that are unwashed and tightly wrapped in aluminum foil can actually last up to three or four weeks in the fridge.
 
The key is controlling moisture and ethylene gas because celery is mostly water and dries out fast when exposed to air.
 
If you’ve ever pulled slimy, limp celery from your crisper drawer, you know how quickly it can go bad when stored wrong.
 
In this post, we’ll walk through exactly how long you can store celery in the fridge, the best ways to keep it crisp, and signs that it’s time to toss it.
 

How Long Can You Store Celery in the Fridge?

How long celery lasts in the fridge depends a lot on how you store it.
 
On average, celery will keep for one to two weeks in the refrigerator if you leave it in the plastic sleeve it came in.
 
But if you wrap it in foil and place it in the crisper drawer, you can store celery in the fridge for up to four weeks.
 
That’s a huge difference, and it all comes down to airflow and moisture control.
 
Here’s a quick breakdown of how long celery lasts in different storage setups:
 

1. Plastic Bag or Original Sleeve

Celery stored in the original plastic sleeve will last about one to two weeks.
 
The plastic traps some moisture, which helps, but it also traps ethylene gas that speeds up spoilage.
 
So while you can store celery in the fridge this way, it’s not the longest-lasting option.
 

2. Aluminum Foil Wrap

Wrapping celery tightly in aluminum foil is the best method for long-term storage.
 
Foil lets ethylene gas escape while keeping moisture in, so you can store celery in the fridge for three to four weeks this way.
 
Just make sure the stalks are dry before wrapping, and keep the foil tight around the bunch.
 

3. Cut Stalks in a Container

If you’ve already cut your celery into sticks, place them in an airtight container with a damp paper towel.
 
This method keeps cut celery fresh for about one to two weeks.
 
Change the paper towel if it gets too wet, and you can store celery in the fridge without it turning soggy or rubbery.
 

Best Way to Store Celery in the Fridge

To get the most out of your celery, follow these simple storage steps.
 

1. Don’t Wash It Before Storing

Moisture is the enemy of long-lasting celery.
 
Wash celery only right before you eat it, not before you store it.
 
Extra water on the stalks encourages mold and slime, which shortens how long you can store celery in the fridge.
 

2. Wrap It in Foil, Not Plastic

Aluminum foil is the secret weapon for keeping celery crisp.
 
It blocks out the drying effects of the fridge while letting ethylene gas escape.
 
So if you want to store celery in the fridge for weeks instead of days, ditch the plastic and grab the foil.
 

3. Keep It in the Crisper Drawer

The crisper drawer is designed to maintain humidity, which helps celery stay hydrated.
 
Set the drawer to the low-humidity setting for celery, since it doesn’t need as much moisture as leafy greens.
 
This is also the best place to store celery in the fridge if you want to keep it away from other ethylene-producing fruits.
 

4. Keep It Away from Ethylene Producers

Fruits like apples, bananas, and pears release ethylene gas that can make celery go bad faster.
 
Store celery in a separate drawer or shelf to avoid this.
 
If you can’t separate them, wrapping celery in foil will still help protect it.
 

Signs Your Celery Has Gone Bad

Even if you store celery in the fridge perfectly, it won’t last forever.
 
Here’s how to tell when it’s time to throw it out.
 

1. It’s Slimy or Mushy

If the stalks feel slimy or mushy instead of crisp, that’s a clear sign of spoilage.
 
Bacteria and mold break down the cell walls, turning celery soft and wet.
 
Don’t try to salvage slimy celery, just toss it.
 

2. It Smells Off

Fresh celery has a clean, mild scent.
 
If it smells sour, musty, or just weird, it’s past its prime.
 
A bad smell means bacteria have taken over, so don’t store celery in the fridge any longer at that point.
 

3. The Color Has Changed

Celery that’s turning yellow, brown, or dark green is no longer fresh.
 
Some slight yellowing on the outer stalks is normal with age, but widespread discoloration means it’s done.
 
You can sometimes revive limp celery by soaking it in ice water, but if it’s discolored and soft, it’s too late.
 

4. Mold Is Visible

Any visible mold, whether white, gray, or black, means you should throw the whole bunch away.
 
Mold spreads quickly, and even if you cut off the visible part, the roots may already be throughout the stalks.
 

Can You Freeze Celery Instead?

If you can’t store celery in the fridge long enough to use it all, freezing is a great backup.
 
Frozen celery won’t be crisp enough for snacking, but it works perfectly in soups, stews, and casseroles.
 
Just chop it up, blanch it for two to three minutes, then freeze it in airtight bags.
 
You can store celery in the freezer for up to six months this way without losing flavor.
 

So, How Long Can You Store Celery in the Fridge?

You can store celery in the fridge for one to two weeks in plastic, but up to four weeks if you wrap it in foil and keep it dry.
 
The key is to avoid washing it until you’re ready to eat it, wrap it tightly to control ethylene gas, and keep it in the crisper drawer away from ethylene-producing fruits.
 
If you notice slime, mold, or a bad smell, it’s time to let it go.
 
With these tips, you’ll always know exactly how long you can store celery in the fridge and get the most out of every bunch.