How to Store Celery
Celery stores well when kept very cold and moist. Good humidity helps prevent limp stalks and pithiness.
Best storage conditions
Store at 32 to 36 F with high humidity, around 95 percent. Keep it dark in the refrigerator.
How long it keeps
Usually 2 to 4 weeks for whole stalks, less for cut pieces.
Storage methods
Wrap whole celery loosely to hold moisture while still allowing some airflow, or store in a perforated bag. Keep it away from freezing spots in the refrigerator. Do not wash and cut it until closer to use if you want longest storage.
Freezing & preserving
Freeze cut celery after blanching for cooked dishes. Drying is useful for flakes or soup mixes. For canning mixed vegetable products, use tested USDA or NCHFP recipes, and celery is low-acid so pressure canning is required where applicable.
Tips
Re-trim the base and use limp stalks in cooked dishes first. Keep celery away from ethylene-producing apples, melons, and pears.
General home-storage guidance. For home canning and preserving safety, follow USDA and National Center for Home Food Preservation (NCHFP) guidelines. Page updated Aug 4, 2026.