How to Store Celery to Keep It Crisp
Celery is a versatile and nutritious vegetable that can add a refreshing crunch to a variety of dishes. However, if not stored properly, celery can quickly become wilted and lose its crisp texture. To ensure that your celery stays fresh and crisp for as long as possible, follow these simple storage tips.
1. Trim the Ends
Before storing celery, it’s important to trim the ends. Use a sharp knife to cut off the bottom and the top of the celery stalks. This helps to prevent moisture from seeping into the celery and causing it to spoil faster.
2. Wrap It in Paper Towel
After trimming the ends, wrap the celery tightly in a paper towel. This helps to absorb excess moisture and keeps the celery from becoming soggy. Make sure the paper towel is not too damp, as this can promote the growth of bacteria.
3. Place in a Plastic Bag
Once the celery is wrapped in a paper towel, place it in a plastic bag. The bag will help to create a sealed environment that keeps the celery fresh. Make sure the bag is not too tight, as this can cause the celery to become crushed and bruised.
4. Store in the Crisper Drawer
The crisper drawer of your refrigerator is the ideal place to store celery. The cool temperature and high humidity of the crisper drawer help to maintain the crispness of the celery. Avoid placing the celery near the door or in the warmest part of the fridge, as this can accelerate spoilage.
5. Check Regularly
Even with proper storage, celery can still spoil over time. It’s important to check your celery regularly and remove any wilted or discolored parts. This will help to prevent the spread of bacteria and keep the rest of the celery fresh.
6. Use airtight containers
If you have a lot of celery to store, consider using airtight containers. These containers will help to keep the celery fresh for longer periods by preventing air from getting in and causing the celery to dry out.
7. Avoid washing celery before storing
It’s best to avoid washing celery before storing it. Washing can introduce moisture that can accelerate spoilage. Instead, wash the celery just before you’re ready to use it.
By following these simple storage tips, you can keep your celery crisp and fresh for longer. Enjoy the crunch and flavor of this nutritious vegetable in your favorite dishes!
