You store celery root in a cool, dark, and humid place, and it will keep for weeks or even months when you get the conditions right.
This knobby, humble vegetable also called celeriac is a champ at long-term storage, which is why it’s a favorite among home gardeners and home cooks alike.
If you’ve ever wondered how do you store celery root so it stays firm and flavorful instead of turning soft or moldy, the good news is that it’s easier than you think.
In this post, we’ll walk through the best ways to store celery root, from the fridge to the root cellar, plus tips on how to store celery root so it lasts all winter long.
Let’s dig in.
How Do You Store Celery Root: The Basics
When you store celery root properly, you’re basically mimicking the cool, damp conditions of a root cellar.
The goal is to keep it cold, humid, and away from light, because light and warmth encourage sprouting and spoilage.
Celery root stores best at temperatures between 32°F and 40°F (0°C to 4°C) with high humidity around 90 to 95 percent.
That’s why a refrigerator crisper drawer is often the easiest place to store celery root for most people.
But before you store celery root, you need to prep it correctly.
1. Trim the Leaves and Roots
Before you store celery root, cut off the leafy tops and any long roots.
Leave about an inch of the stem and root base intact so the bulb stays protected.
The leaves draw moisture out of the bulb, so removing them helps your celery root store longer.
2. Don’t Wash It Yet
You should never wash celery root before you store it.
Excess moisture on the surface invites mold and rot, which will ruin your celery root in storage.
Instead, brush off loose dirt with your hands or a dry cloth, and save the washing for when you’re ready to cook.
3. Keep the Skin On
Leave the outer skin on when you store celery root, because that skin is a natural barrier that locks in moisture.
Peeling it early exposes the flesh and shortens how long your celery root will store.
So keep it whole and unpeeled until the moment you plan to use it.
Best Ways to Store Celery Root
Now that you know the prep steps, here are the best ways to store celery root at home.
1. The Refrigerator Crisper Drawer
The fridge is the most practical spot to store celery root for a few weeks.
Wrap each bulb loosely in a damp paper towel, then place it in a perforated plastic bag or a breathable produce bag.
Tuck it into the crisper drawer, where the humidity is highest, and your celery root will stay fresh for two to four weeks.
2. The Root Cellar or Cool Basement
If you have a root cellar, that’s the ideal place to store celery root for months.
Layer the bulbs in damp sand, sawdust, or peat moss inside a wooden crate or bucket.
Keep the layers moist but not soaking wet, and your celery root can last four to six months this way.
3. The Freezer for Long-Term Storage
You can also store celery root in the freezer if you want it to last up to a year.
Peel it, cut it into cubes or slices, and blanch it for two to three minutes in boiling water.
Cool it in ice water, pat it dry, and freeze the pieces in airtight bags so you can store celery root for future soups and stews.
Common Mistakes When You Store Celery Root
Even with good intentions, a few missteps can ruin your celery root in storage.
1. Storing It Near Ethylene Producers
Keep celery root away from apples, bananas, and onions, which release ethylene gas.
That gas speeds up spoilage, so your celery root won’t store nearly as long.
2. Letting It Dry Out
Low humidity is the enemy of stored celery root.
If the air is too dry, the bulbs turn limp and spongy, so always add moisture with a damp towel or sand.
3. Using Airtight Plastic Without Ventilation
Sealing celery root in a completely airtight container traps moisture and breeds mold.
Always give your celery root a little airflow so condensation doesn’t build up.
So, How Do You Store Celery Root?
You store celery root in a cool, dark, humid spot, and it will reward you with weeks or even months of freshness.
Whether you use a fridge crisper drawer, a root cellar, or a freezer, the key is to prep it right and control the moisture.
Now that you know how do you store celery root, you can enjoy this versatile vegetable all season long without waste.