Carrots and celery last in the fridge for about 3 to 4 weeks when stored properly, though celery tends to soften faster than carrots.
If you’ve been wondering how long do carrots and celery last in the fridge, the answer depends on how you store them and whether they’re whole or cut.
Fresh whole carrots and celery stalks can easily stay crisp for weeks in the right conditions, but cut pieces won’t last nearly as long.
In this post, we’ll look at how long carrots and celery last in the fridge, the best ways to store them, and the signs that tell you it’s time to toss them.
Let’s get to it.
How Long Do Carrots and Celery Last in the Fridge?
How long carrots and celery last in the fridge really comes down to how you prepare and store them.
Both veggies are pretty hardy, but carrots usually outlast celery by a good margin.
Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect.
1. Whole Carrots Last 3 to 4 Weeks
Whole carrots last in the fridge for about 3 to 4 weeks when kept in a sealed bag or container.
If you store them in the crisper drawer with a little moisture control, they can sometimes hang on even longer.
The key is keeping them dry and cold so they don’t get slimy or rubbery.
2. Whole Celery Lasts 1 to 2 Weeks
Celery lasts in the fridge for about 1 to 2 weeks, which is shorter than carrots.
That’s because celery has a higher water content and loses its crunch fast once it starts to dry out.
Wrapping celery in foil or storing it in a sealed container with a damp paper towel helps it last closer to the 2-week mark.
3. Cut Carrots and Celery Last 3 to 5 Days
Once you cut carrots and celery, they last in the fridge for only about 3 to 5 days.
Cutting exposes the surfaces to air, which speeds up moisture loss and spoilage.
That said, if you store cut carrots and celery in a container with cold water, they can stay fresh and crisp for up to a week.
Best Ways to Store Carrots and Celery in the Fridge
If you want carrots and celery to last in the fridge as long as possible, how you store them matters a lot.
Here are the best methods to keep them fresh.
1. Keep Them Whole Until You’re Ready to Use Them
Leave carrots and celery whole until you actually need them.
The less surface area exposed to air, the longer carrots and celery last in the fridge.
So chop them only when you’re about to cook or snack on them.
2. Use Airtight Containers or Bags
Store carrots and celery in airtight containers or sealed plastic bags.
This locks in moisture and keeps the veggies from absorbing odors from other foods in your fridge.
For celery, wrap it tightly in aluminum foil before placing it in the fridge.
For carrots, a zip-top bag with the air squeezed out works great.
3. Store Cut Veggies in Water
If you’ve already cut your carrots and celery, submerge them in a container of cold water.
This keeps them hydrated and crunchy, and it’s how carrots and celery last in the fridge for up to a week after cutting.
Just change the water every couple of days to keep it fresh.
4. Use the Crisper Drawer
Your fridge’s crisper drawer is designed to keep veggies fresh longer.
Set the humidity to high for celery and low for carrots to get the best results.
This small tweak can add days to how long carrots and celery last in the fridge.
Signs Your Carrots and Celery Have Gone Bad
Even when you store them right, carrots and celery don’t last in the fridge forever.
Here’s how to tell when it’s time to let them go.
1. Slimy Texture
If your carrots or celery feel slimy or sticky, they’ve gone bad.
That slick coating is a sign of bacterial growth, and no amount of rinsing will fix it.
Toss them out.
2. Soft or Rubbery Stalks
Celery that bends instead of snapping is past its prime.
Carrots that feel rubbery and limp have lost their moisture and won’t taste good either.
If they’re just a little soft, you can revive them in ice water, but if they’re mushy, they’re done.
3. Off Smell or Discoloration
A sour smell or dark spots on your carrots and celery mean they’re spoiled.
Mold, dark patches, or a funky odor are clear signals to throw them away.
So, How Long Do Carrots and Celery Last in the Fridge?
Carrots and celery last in the fridge for about 3 to 4 weeks and 1 to 2 weeks respectively when stored whole and properly.
Cut pieces last about 3 to 5 days, or up to a week if kept in cold water.
Store them in airtight containers, keep them cold, and watch for signs of slime, softness, or odor.
That way, you’ll always know how long carrots and celery last in the fridge and get the most out of every bunch.