As a horticulturist with a focus on post-harvest physiology, I understand the nuances of why certain vegetables, like celery, may not fare well in the refrigerator. Let's delve into the reasons why celery can become limp when stored in the fridge and how to prevent it.
**Step 1: Understanding the Structure of Celery**
Celery is a biennial plant that thrives in cool, moist environments. It's composed of long, crunchy stalks that are rich in water content, which is why it's so important to maintain this moisture to keep it crisp. The structure of celery is such that it has numerous vascular strands running through it, which are responsible for transporting water and nutrients. When these strands are compromised, the celery loses its turgor pressure and begins to wilt.
Step 2: The Role of Humidity
The crisper drawer in your refrigerator is designed to maintain a higher level of humidity than the rest of the fridge. This is crucial for vegetables like celery, which need to stay hydrated. However, if the humidity is not adequately maintained, the moisture from the celery can evaporate, leading to limpness. The ideal humidity for storing celery is around 95%.
Step 3: Temperature Effects
Refrigeration slows down the respiration rate of vegetables, which can be beneficial in extending their shelf life. However, if the temperature is too low, it can cause a phenomenon known as "chilling injury," which can affect the texture and quality of the celery. The optimal temperature for storing celery is between 32°F to 40°F (0°C to 4°C).
Step 4: The Issue with Drying Out
When celery dries out, it's a sign that it has lost a significant amount of water. This can happen if the celery is not stored properly, such as being left in a plastic bag without adequate ventilation, or if the crisper drawer is not maintaining the correct humidity levels. The loss of water leads to a decrease in turgor pressure within the celery cells, causing them to collapse and the stalks to become limp.
**Step 5: Common Tips for Preventing Limp Celery**
One common tip to prevent celery from becoming limp is to stand the celery upright in a pitcher of water, similar to how one would keep a bouquet of flowers fresh. This method provides a source of water for the celery to draw from, helping to maintain its crispness. However, it's important to change the water regularly to prevent bacterial growth.
Step 6: Wrapping and Storing
Another method to prevent celery from drying out is to wrap it in a damp paper towel before placing it in the refrigerator. The damp paper towel can help to maintain the moisture around the celery, reducing the rate of water loss. Ensure that the celery is not wrapped too tightly, as this can cause the stalks to bruise.
Step 7: Regular Checks and Rotation
It's important to regularly check the celery in your refrigerator and to rotate the older produce to the front, so you use it first. This practice helps to ensure that the celery doesn't stay in the fridge for too long, which can lead to a loss of freshness and quality.
In conclusion, to prevent celery from going limp in the refrigerator, it's essential to maintain proper humidity, temperature, and to use appropriate storage methods. By following these guidelines, you can enjoy crisp and fresh celery for a longer period.

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This is what the crisper drawer in your fridge is ostensibly for: it supposedly keeps the humidity in and prevents your carrots from drying out and your celery from going all limp (which of course is also caused by it drying out). ... Some of the most common tips involve standing celery upright in a pitcher of water.Feb 19, 2009read more >>