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Celery stalks can last in the fridge for about one to two weeks when stored properly, but that timeline can stretch even further with the right technique.
If you’ve ever pulled a sad, limp bunch of celery stalks out of your crisper drawer and wondered how long celery lasts in the fridge, you’re definitely not alone.
The answer really depends on how you store those celery stalks and whether you keep them whole or cut them up.
Some people swear their celery lasts in the fridge for three weeks, while others find their celery stalks turning rubbery after just a few days.
In this post, we’ll break down exactly how long celery lasts in the fridge, what affects that shelf life, and the best ways to keep your celery stalks crisp for as long as possible.
Let’s get to it.
How Long Does Celery Last in the Fridge?
Celery stalks last in the fridge for one to two weeks on average, and here’s what determines whether yours make it to the two-week mark or tap out early:
1. Whole Celery Stalks Last Longer Than Cut Ones
Whole celery stalks last in the fridge for up to two weeks when wrapped properly, while cut celery usually lasts about seven to ten days.
The reason is simple: every cut exposes the inside of the stalk to air, which speeds up moisture loss.
So if you want your celery to last in the fridge as long as possible, keep the bunch intact until you’re actually ready to use it.
2. Moisture Is the Enemy of Long Storage
Celery lasts in the fridge longest when it’s kept in a slightly humid environment but not soaking wet.
Too much moisture and those celery stalks get slimy, too little and they go limp.
That’s why the crisper drawer exists, and it’s genuinely the best spot for your celery.
3. Temperature Plays a Big Role
Celery lasts in the fridge best at around 32 to 36°F, which is why the back of your crisper drawer works better than the door.
The door temperature fluctuates every time you open the fridge, and those swings shorten how long celery stays fresh.
So keep your celery stalks tucked away in the coldest, most consistent part of your fridge.
4. Ethylene Gas Can Speed Up Spoilage
Celery is sensitive to ethylene gas, which is released by fruits like bananas, apples, and peaches.
If you store celery next to these fruits, your celery won’t last in the fridge nearly as long.
Keep them separated and you’ll notice a real difference in how long those stalks stay crisp.
How to Store Celery Stalks in the Fridge So They Last Longer
If you want celery to last in the fridge for the full two weeks, the way you store it matters just as much as the fridge itself.
Here are the methods that actually work:
1. Wrap in Aluminum Foil
This is the method a lot of people swear by, and for good reason.
Wrap the whole bunch of celery stalks tightly in aluminum foil and place it in the crisper drawer.
The foil lets ethylene gas escape while keeping moisture in, so your celery lasts in the fridge for up to two weeks or even longer.
2. Use a Plastic Bag With a Paper Towel
If foil isn’t your thing, place celery stalks in a zip-top bag with a dry paper towel.
The paper towel absorbs excess moisture, which keeps the stalks from getting slimy.
Just swap out the towel if it gets soaked and your celery will last in the fridge for a solid week or two.
3. Keep It Whole Until You Need It
Cut celery lasts in the fridge for about a week, while whole stalks go for two.
So chop only what you’re using that day and leave the rest of the bunch intact.
4. Store Cut Celery in Water
If you’ve already chopped your celery, place the sticks upright in a jar with an inch of water at the bottom.
Cover the top loosely with a plastic bag and your cut celery stalks will last in the fridge for up to ten days.
5. Don’t Wash Until You’re Ready to Eat
Washing celery before storing adds surface moisture that speeds up spoilage.
So rinse your celery stalks right before using them, not before you put them away.
How to Tell If Celery Has Gone Bad
Even when you store celery perfectly, it won’t last in the fridge forever, so here’s how to know when it’s time to toss it:
1. It Feels Slimy
If your celery stalks feel slick or slimy to the touch, that’s bacteria at work and it’s time to let them go.
2. It’s Completely Limp
Slightly soft celery can often be revived in ice water, but celery that’s completely floppy and bends like a noodle is past saving.
3. The Color Has Changed
Fresh celery is a pale, vibrant green, so once it turns yellow or brown, your celery has gone bad and won’t last much longer in the fridge.
4. It Smells Off
Celery should smell fresh and slightly grassy, so any sour or funky odor means it’s time to throw it out.
So, How Long Does Celery Last in the Fridge?
Celery stalks last in the fridge for one to two weeks when stored properly, and whole stalks wrapped in foil or a paper towel-lined bag tend to hit that two-week mark.
How long celery lasts in the fridge really comes down to moisture control, temperature, and keeping it away from ethylene-producing fruits.
Follow the storage tips above and your celery stalks will stay crisp and ready to snack on for way longer than you’d expect.
Hope this post has helped you figure out exactly how long celery lasts in the fridge and how to get the most out of every bunch.