To remove pesticides from celery, you need to wash it thoroughly and, ideally, use a few extra steps to break down the residues.
Celery is one of the dirtiest produce items on the EWG’s Dirty Dozen list, so knowing how to remove pesticides from celery is genuinely important.
The good news is that you don’t need fancy equipment or expensive washes to remove pesticides from celery effectively.
A simple combo of running water, a baking soda soak, and a little patience can remove pesticides from celery far better than a quick rinse.
In this post, we’ll look at why celery holds onto pesticides so stubbornly, the best ways to remove pesticides from celery, and how to dry and store it afterward.
Why You Need to Remove Pesticides From Celery
Celery grows as a tight bundle of stalks, and that structure is exactly why pesticides cling to it.
Because celery has no protective peel, whatever is sprayed onto the crop settles directly onto the part you eat.
The stalks are also ribbed and porous, which means residues can sink into all those tiny grooves and crevices.
And since most people eat celery raw, there’s no cooking step to help break down what’s left behind.
That’s why learning how to remove pesticides from celery is worth the few extra minutes it takes.
1. Celery Tops the Dirty Dozen List
Every year, the Environmental Working Group ranks produce by pesticide residue, and celery consistently lands near the top.
That means conventionally grown celery is more likely to carry detectable pesticide residues than most other vegetables.
2. No Peel Means No Barrier
Fruits like bananas and oranges give you a layer to toss away, but celery offers no such protection.
What gets sprayed on the plant is what ends up on your plate, which is why you need to remove pesticides from celery before eating it.
3. Raw Celery Is the Norm
Celery usually shows up raw in salads, smoothies, and snack platters.
Since heat can degrade some pesticide residues, eating celery raw means you’re relying entirely on your washing method.
How to Remove Pesticides From Celery
Here’s the good news: removing pesticides from celery is easy once you know the right steps.
The following methods range from a quick everyday rinse to a deeper soak for peace of mind.
1. Rinse Under Running Water
Start by separating the stalks and holding them under cool running water.
Use your fingers or a soft vegetable brush to rub along the ribs, where residues love to hide.
According to the FDA, plain running water removes a significant amount of pesticide residue from most produce.
2. Soak in Baking Soda
For a deeper clean, fill a bowl with water and add one teaspoon of baking soda per two cups of water.
Soak the celery stalks for 10 to 15 minutes, then rinse them well.
A study in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry found that a baking soda solution removes pesticides from produce more effectively than water alone.
3. Try a Vinegar Bath
Mix one part white vinegar with three parts water and soak the celery for about 10 minutes.
Vinegar helps lift residues that cling to the surface of the stalks.
Just don’t skip the rinse afterward, or your celery will taste like salad dressing.
4. Peel Away the Outer Layer
If you want to remove pesticides from celery even more thoroughly, peel the outer strings and ridges.
A vegetable peeler shaves off the surface where most residues sit.
You lose a little fiber, but you gain a cleaner, more tender stalk.
5. Buy Organic When You Can
The most reliable way to avoid pesticides in celery is to buy organic.
Organic celery is grown without synthetic pesticides, so there’s far less to worry about.
If organic isn’t in the budget, the washing steps above will still help you remove pesticides from celery effectively.
How to Dry and Store Clean Celery
Once you’ve finished washing, dry the stalks with a clean kitchen towel or a salad spinner.
Excess moisture invites mold, so drying is a step you shouldn’t rush.
Wrap the dry celery in aluminum foil or place it in an airtight container with a paper towel.
Stored this way, your celery stays crisp in the fridge for up to two weeks.
Should You Worry About Pesticides in Celery?
Pesticide residues on celery are a real concern, but they’re not a reason to give up this crunchy, low-calorie vegetable.
The health benefits of eating celery far outweigh the tiny amounts of residue left after proper washing.
So don’t stress — just make washing a habit.
So, How Do You Remove Pesticides From Celery?
To remove pesticides from celery, rinse the stalks under running water, soak them in a baking soda or vinegar solution, and peel the outer layer if you want to be extra thorough.
Washing your celery properly dramatically reduces how much pesticide residue ends up on your plate.
That quick soak is a small effort with a big payoff.
And buying organic whenever possible gives you even more peace of mind.
Now you know exactly how to remove pesticides from celery, so go ahead and enjoy those crunchy snacks.