Celery really packs a punch with its awesome health perks. This bright green vegetable is loaded with benefits that are truly amazing.
It’s an inexpensive vegetable with high water content, which makes it a great source of hydration.
But celery can also be a staple of any healthy diet because of its versatility.
You can use it as a salad ingredient, soup base, side dish or even snack.
But like most other vegetables, celery can go bad quickly when exposed to the wrong conditions.
This article will help you identify the signs of bad celery and what to do about it.
How can you tell if celery is bad?
If you notice any of these signs, it’s time to toss that celery out.
We will discuss more signs below.
What are the signs that celery is going bad?
As you can see, there are many ways that celery can go bad.
The first sign is usually the skin turning soft and wrinkly.
Then the stalk begins to wilt and get brittle.
Finally, the celery starts to have an unpleasant odor.
If you notice any of these signs, it’s time to toss that celery out.
We will discuss more ways to tell if celery is bad later in this article.
How long does celery last before it goes bad?
When purchasing celery, look at the sell by date on the package.
Freshness dates vary depending on where you buy it (farmers markets, grocery stores, etc.) and the variety.
However, most celery lasts four to six weeks after being harvested.
So if you bought it two weeks ago, it’s probably fine — unless it started smelling off.
What is the shelf life of celery?
The shelf life of celery depends on how fresh it was when purchased.
When celery is left too long, it loses its crunchiness and becomes limp and soggy.
Celery can also start to develop mold and mildew if it sits around too long.
The average shelf life of celery is three months, although some varieties last longer than others.
Can you eat celery that has gone bad?
Yes, you can consume celery that has been stored properly.
If it’s still crunchy and hasn’t developed mold, then it’s safe to eat.
Just make sure to wash it thoroughly and remove all of the outer leaves before eating.
What happens if you eat bad celery?
If you eat celery that has gone bad, you risk getting sick.
As mentioned above, celery can develop mold and mildew over time.
Mold produces aflatoxins, which can cause liver damage, headaches, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, dizziness, weight loss, fatigue and jaundice.
Mildew produces mycotoxins, which can cause stomach cramps, vomiting, diarrhea, headache, fever, weakness, confusion, convulsions, coma and death.
Both types of toxins can cause cancer.
So, if you have celery sitting around that has either developed mold or mildew, it’s best to just toss it and replace it with new celery.
That said, you can save the rest of the celery and freeze it for future meals.
But only use it within three months of purchase and never thaw it until completely defrosted.
How do you store celery to keep it fresh?
You can store celery in the refrigerator, but you need to change the air flow to prevent mold growth.
Wrap celery tightly in plastic wrap and place it in an open container.
Or you can cut the stem end off and tie the ends together with string.
Make sure to check the celery every day to ensure it doesn’t grow mold or mildew.
What is the best way to keep celery fresh?
The best way to keep celery fresh is to buy it fresh.
If you buy celery that’s already picked, make sure to rinse it well under cold running water and pat dry with paper towels.
Store it in a plastic bag or bowl with a damp cloth between each layer to absorb excess moisture.
How do you keep celery from going bad?
There are several ways to keep celery fresh.
One of the simplest methods is to trim off the top and bottom ends of the stalks.
You can also slice the stalks into smaller pieces and refrigerate them in a sealed container.
Celery Salad With Apples Recipe
Equipment
- 1 bowl
Ingredients
- 8 celery ribs ½ cup celery leaves
- 1 apple
- 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar
- ½ tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon maple syrup
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- ¼ cup Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Slice the celery ribs very thinly. The celery leaves should be measured. Slice the red apple very thinly.
- Whisk the white wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, sugar or maple syrup, and kosher salt in a medium bowl. One spoonful at a time, mix in the olive oil.
- Combine the celery, celery leaves, apple, dressing, and Parmesan cheese shavings in a separate bowl. Serve right away or put in the fridge until serving. Although it tastes best the day it is made, you can store leftovers in the refrigerator for a few days (refresh them with a little vinegar or salt if necessary).
Video
Nutrition
For more information on food safety, read our articles on how to tell if meat is spoiled and how to test if produce is rotten.
I have a true passion for cooking and experimenting with new ingredients, and I have been creating and perfecting recipes for friends and family for years.
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