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Celery stalks are one of those vegetables that often get overlooked, but they’re incredibly versatile and can be used in so many creative ways.
If you’ve ever found yourself staring at a bunch of celery stalks in your fridge wondering what to do with them before they go limp, you’re not alone.
The good news is that there are plenty of delicious and practical things you can do with celery stalks, from soups and stir-fries to juices and even natural remedies.
In this post, we’ll explore some of the best ways to use celery stalks so you can make the most of this crunchy, nutritious vegetable.
Let’s dive in.
What to Do With Celery Stalks: Delicious Ideas
Celery stalks are more than just a garnish for bloody marys or a vehicle for peanut butter.
They can be the star of your kitchen if you know what to do with them.
Here are some tasty ways to use celery stalks.
1. Add Them to Soups and Stews
One of the most classic things to do with celery stalks is to toss them into soups and stews.
Celery stalks add a wonderful depth of flavor and a satisfying crunch that holds up well during cooking.
Along with onions and carrots, celery stalks form the holy trinity of French cooking known as mirepoix.
So next time you’re making a pot of chicken noodle soup or a hearty beef stew, don’t forget to chop up those celery stalks and throw them in.
2. Make a Refreshing Celery Juice
If you’re into juicing, celery stalks are a fantastic base for a refreshing green juice.
Celery juice has become super popular in recent years for its purported health benefits, including reducing inflammation and aiding digestion.
To make celery juice, simply wash your celery stalks, chop them into smaller pieces, and run them through your juicer.
You can also blend them with apple, cucumber, and lemon for a tastier twist.
What to do with celery stalks that are starting to wilt?
Juice them.
They’re perfect for juicing because you don’t need them to be perfectly crisp.
3. Stir-Fry Them for a Quick Dinner
Celery stalks are a great addition to any stir-fry.
Their crunchy texture and mild flavor pair well with soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and a variety of proteins like chicken, beef, or tofu.
Slice your celery stalks thinly on a diagonal for a nice presentation, and toss them into the wok during the last few minutes of cooking so they stay crisp.
This is one of the easiest things to do with celery stalks when you need a fast, healthy meal.
4. Snack on Them Raw
You really can’t go wrong with raw celery stalks.
They’re crunchy, hydrating, and low in calories, making them a perfect snack.
Spread some peanut butter, cream cheese, or hummus on them, and you’ve got a satisfying treat that’s ready in seconds.
If you’re wondering what to do with celery stalks that are still crisp and fresh, this is probably the simplest answer.
Just wash, cut, and dip.
Creative Uses for Celery Stalks Beyond Cooking
Celery stalks aren’t just for eating.
There are plenty of clever, non-culinary things you can do with celery stalks that might surprise you.
1. Use Them as Natural Flavoring for Broth
If you’re making homemade broth, celery stalks are a must-have ingredient.
Save your celery stalks, leaves, and even the base in a freezer bag, and when you have enough, simmer them with bones, onions, and herbs for a rich, flavorful broth.
This is a great way to reduce food waste and get more mileage out of your celery stalks.
2. Make a Natural Cleaning Solution
Believe it or not, celery stalks can be used to make a mild natural cleaning solution.
Just boil celery stalks in water, strain the liquid, and use it to wipe down surfaces.
It’s not a heavy-duty cleaner, but it’s a neat trick if you’re into natural living.
This is definitely one of the more unusual things to do with celery stalks, but it works.
3. Regrow Them in Water
Here’s a fun project: you can regrow celery stalks from the base.
Just cut off the bottom inch or two of your celery bunch, place it in a shallow bowl of water, and set it in a sunny window.
Within a week or two, you’ll see new leaves and small stalks starting to grow.
This is a fantastic way to get more celery stalks for free and a great activity for kids.
How to Store Celery Stalks So They Last Longer
Knowing what to do with celery stalks also means knowing how to store them properly.
If you want your celery stalks to stay crisp and fresh for as long as possible, wrap them loosely in aluminum foil and keep them in the crisper drawer of your fridge.
This method allows ethylene gas to escape while keeping moisture in, so your celery stalks can last for weeks instead of days.
You can also cut them into sticks and store them in a container filled with water in the fridge.
Change the water every couple of days, and they’ll stay crunchy and ready to eat.
So what to do with celery stalks that are already limp?
You can revive them by soaking them in ice water for about 30 minutes.
They’ll perk right back up.
So, What to Do With Celery Stalks?
Celery stalks are one of the most versatile vegetables you can keep in your kitchen.
Whether you’re chopping them into soups, juicing them for a health boost, stir-frying them for dinner, or snacking on them raw, there are countless things to do with celery stalks.
And beyond eating, you can use celery stalks to make broth, regrow new plants, or even create a natural cleaning solution.
So the next time you have a bunch of celery stalks sitting in your fridge, don’t let them go to waste.
Now you know exactly what to do with celery stalks, and you can enjoy them in more ways than ever.