As a food preservation expert with extensive knowledge in the field of horticulture and food science, I have spent considerable time researching the optimal methods for storing various types of produce, including celery. Storing celery properly is crucial for maintaining its freshness, texture, and nutritional value. Let's delve into the best practices for keeping your celery fresh in the refrigerator.

**Step 1: Choose the Right Storage Conditions**
Celery is a biennial plant that thrives in cool temperatures but not frost. It prefers humidity but not excessive moisture, which can lead to rot. Therefore, the ideal storage conditions for celery mimic its natural growing environment as closely as possible. The refrigerator provides a cool and humid environment, which is perfect for celery.

Step 2: Prepare the Celery
Before placing your celery in the refrigerator, it is important to prepare it properly. First, trim off any damaged or discolored leaves. These can be a sign of decay and can spread to the rest of the celery. Next, rinse the celery under cold water to remove any dirt or pesticide residues. Gently pat it dry with a clean towel or paper towel.

Step 3: Wrap the Celery
Contrary to the common belief that wrapping vegetables in plastic can preserve them, plastic can actually trap ethylene, a gas that accelerates the ripening and aging process of produce. Instead of using plastic, consider wrapping your celery in a damp paper towel. The dampness helps to maintain the necessary humidity without creating a soggy environment. Then, you can wrap the damp paper towel-wrapped celery in a layer of aluminum foil. Aluminum foil is a good choice because it is non-porous and does not trap ethylene.

Step 4: Store in the Crisper Drawer
The crisper drawer of your refrigerator is designed to maintain a higher humidity level than the rest of the fridge, which is beneficial for vegetables like celery. Place the wrapped celery in the crisper drawer, ensuring it is not packed in with other produce too tightly, as this can cause bruising and accelerate decay.

Step 5: Monitor and Rotate
Regularly check on your stored celery. If you notice any signs of spoilage, such as a sour smell or slimy texture, remove the affected parts immediately to prevent it from spreading. It's also a good idea to rotate your produce, moving the older items to the front so you use them first.

Step 6: Know the Shelf Life
Even when stored properly, celery has a limited shelf life. Generally, it can last for about 2 to 3 weeks in the refrigerator. After this time, the texture and flavor may begin to deteriorate.

**Step 7: Consider Alternative Storage Methods**
If you have a large quantity of celery or if you're not planning to use it within a few days, you might consider alternative storage methods. For instance, you can blanch and freeze celery for a longer shelf life. Blanching involves briefly boiling the celery before freezing, which helps to preserve its color and flavor.

In conclusion, the best way to store celery in the refrigerator is to prepare it by trimming and rinsing, wrap it in a damp paper towel and then aluminum foil, store it in the crisper drawer, monitor it for spoilage, and be aware of its shelf life. By following these steps, you can enjoy fresh and crisp celery for an extended period.

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Keep celery heads whole, wrap them up tightly in aluminum foil, and then keep them in the refrigerator crisper drawer as usual. The plastic bag your celery came in traps in the ethylene it produces, which hastens its vegetal demise.Nov 5, 2015read more >>