You can keep celery in the refrigerator for about 1 to 2 weeks if it’s stored properly.
Celery that isn’t wrapped or prepped correctly will usually go limp within just a few days.
The good news is that with the right technique, you can stretch that window even further and keep your celery crisp and ready to snack on.
If you’ve ever pulled a sad, rubbery stalk from the crisper drawer, you’re not alone.
In this post, we’ll cover exactly how long you can keep celery in the refrigerator, how to store it so it lasts, and how to tell when it’s time to toss it.
How Long Can You Keep Celery in the Refrigerator?
The short answer is that you can keep celery in the refrigerator for 1 to 2 weeks under ideal conditions.
That said, how long your celery actually lasts depends on a few key factors.
1. Freshness at the Time of Purchase
Celery that’s already been sitting on the grocery shelf for a week won’t last as long as a fresh, firm bunch.
So if you’re buying celery that already looks a little tired, plan to use it within a few days.
2. How You Store It
How long you can keep celery in the refrigerator also depends heavily on your storage method.
Loose celery in the crisper drawer will dry out fast, while properly wrapped celery can hold its crunch for well over a week.
3. Temperature and Humidity
Your fridge should be set between 33°F and 40°F for the best results.
Celery also loves humidity, so the crisper drawer is the ideal spot because it traps moisture and keeps the stalks from drying out.
4. Whole Stalks vs. Cut Pieces
Whole stalks of celery tend to last longer in the refrigerator than cut pieces.
Once you chop celery, its exposed surfaces lose moisture faster, so cut celery usually lasts about 3 to 5 days.
How to Store Celery in the Refrigerator So It Lasts Longer
If you want to keep celery in the refrigerator for as long as possible, a little prep work goes a long way.
1. Keep It Whole Until You’re Ready to Use It
Whole celery stalks stay fresh longer than chopped ones.
So only cut what you need and leave the rest of the bunch intact.
2. Wrap It in Aluminum Foil
This is one of the best-kept secrets for keeping celery crisp.
Wrap the entire bunch tightly in aluminum foil and place it in the crisper drawer.
The foil lets ethylene gas escape while locking in moisture, which means you can keep celery in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks this way.
3. Use a Container with a Paper Towel
If foil isn’t your thing, try storing cut celery in an airtight container lined with a dry paper towel.
The paper towel absorbs excess moisture, while the sealed container keeps the celery from drying out.
4. Store It in Water for Cut Stalks
For cut celery sticks, place them upright in a jar with an inch or two of water.
This keeps the celery hydrated and crisp, and it’s also a fun way to regrow a little celery at home.
5. Keep It Away from Ethylene-Producing Fruits
Fruits like bananas, apples, and peaches release ethylene gas, which speeds up spoilage.
So keep your celery stored away from these fruits to help it last longer.
Signs Your Celery Has Gone Bad
Even when you keep celery in the refrigerator correctly, it won’t last forever.
Here’s how to tell when it’s time to let it go.
1. It’s Limp and Rubbery
If your celery bends instead of snapping, it’s lost its moisture and crunch.
You can revive slightly limp celery by soaking it in ice water for 30 minutes, but if it stays floppy, it’s past its prime.
2. The Color Has Changed
Fresh celery is a light, vibrant green.
If your stalks have turned yellow, brown, or translucent, that’s a clear sign the celery is spoiling.
3. It Smells Off
Fresh celery has a mild, clean scent.
If it smells sour, musty, or just plain unpleasant, toss it out.
4. There’s Visible Mold or Sliminess
Any mold, dark spots, or slimy texture means bacteria or fungi have taken over.
Don’t try to salvage it by cutting off the bad parts, just throw the whole bunch away.
So, How Long Can You Keep Celery in the Refrigerator?
You can keep celery in the refrigerator for about 1 to 2 weeks when it’s stored properly.
Wrapping it in foil, keeping it in the crisper drawer, and storing it away from ethylene-producing fruits will help you get the most out of every bunch.
And if you notice it going limp, yellow, or slimy, it’s time to start fresh.
With these tips, you’ll never have to wonder how long you can keep celery in the refrigerator again.