How Long Does Celery Root Last

Celery root lasts about 2 to 3 weeks when stored properly in the refrigerator.
 
That’s the short answer you came here for.
 
But how long celery root lasts depends on a few key factors like temperature, humidity, and how you prepare it before storing.
 
If you’ve ever bought a big, knobby celery root at the farmers market and wondered how long it would keep, you’re in the right place.
 
In this post, we’ll cover how long celery root lasts in different conditions, how to store it so it stays fresh, and how to tell when it’s gone bad.
 
Let’s get into it.
 

How Long Does Celery Root Last?

Celery root, also called celeriac, lasts a surprisingly long time compared to other fresh vegetables.
 
When stored correctly in the fridge, celery root can last anywhere from 2 to 3 weeks, and sometimes even longer.
 
That’s because celery root is a sturdy, dense vegetable with a thick outer skin that protects the flesh inside.
 
The key is to keep it in the right environment so it doesn’t dry out or get moldy.
 

1. In the Refrigerator

In the refrigerator, celery root lasts about 2 to 3 weeks if you store it in a plastic bag or wrapped in a damp towel.
 
The crisper drawer is the best spot because it provides consistent humidity and cool temperatures.
 
If you leave celery root uncovered in the fridge, it will dry out faster and become soft and spongy within a week.
 

2. At Room Temperature

At room temperature, celery root doesn’t last very long at all.
 
You can leave it out for a day or two in a cool, dark place, but after that, it will start to soften and lose moisture.
 
So if you want your celery root to last, the fridge is really the only way to go.
 

3. In the Freezer

Celery root doesn’t freeze well raw because it becomes mushy after thawing.
 
However, if you blanch it first, celery root can last in the freezer for up to 6 months.
 
This is a great option if you have more celery root than you can use within a few weeks.
 

How to Store Celery Root So It Lasts Longer

If you want your celery root to last as long as possible, follow these simple storage tips.
 

1. Don’t Wash It Until You’re Ready to Use It

Moisture is the enemy of long-term storage for celery root.
 
Washing it too early introduces extra water to the surface, which can encourage mold growth.
 
Instead, brush off any loose dirt with a dry cloth or paper towel and keep the skin intact until you’re ready to cook.
 

2. Wrap It in a Damp Towel or Plastic Bag

To keep celery root from drying out, wrap it in a slightly damp paper towel and place it inside a plastic bag.
 
You can also poke a few holes in the bag to allow a little airflow.
 
This creates a humid microclimate that helps celery root last longer without getting soggy.
 

3. Keep It in the Crisper Drawer

The crisper drawer in your fridge is designed to maintain the right humidity for vegetables.
 
Storing celery root there helps it last up to 3 weeks or even more.
 
Just make sure it’s not packed too tightly against other vegetables that might release ethylene gas, like apples or tomatoes.
 

4. Blanch and Freeze for Long-Term Storage

If you want celery root to last for months, blanching and freezing is the way to go.
 
Peel and cut the celery root into cubes, boil for 2 to 3 minutes, then transfer to an ice bath.
 
Drain, pat dry, and spread the cubes on a baking sheet before transferring to freezer bags.
 
This way, celery root can last up to 6 months in the freezer without losing too much texture.
 

How to Tell If Celery Root Has Gone Bad

Even with proper storage, celery root can go bad eventually.
 
Here’s how to tell if your celery root is past its prime.
 

1. It Feels Soft or Spongy

Fresh celery root should feel firm and heavy for its size.
 
If it feels soft, squishy, or light, that’s a sign it has lost moisture and is no longer good to eat.
 

2. There Are Dark Spots or Mold

Mold or dark, mushy spots on the surface mean the celery root has started to rot.
 
If the spots are small, you can cut them away, but if they’re widespread, it’s best to toss the whole thing.
 

3. It Smells Off or Musty

Fresh celery root has a mild, earthy scent.
 
If it smells musty, sour, or just off, that’s a clear sign it has gone bad.
 

So, How Long Does Celery Root Last?

Celery root lasts about 2 to 3 weeks in the refrigerator when stored properly.
 
It can last up to 6 months in the freezer if you blanch it first.
 
At room temperature, celery root doesn’t last long, so keep it cool if you want it to stay fresh.
 
By following these storage tips, you can make sure your celery root lasts as long as possible and stays firm, flavorful, and ready to cook.
 
Hope this helps you get the most out of your celery root.