When it comes to food storage, celery can be a bit of a challenge. However, with the right techniques, you can keep your celery fresh and crisp for weeks, and even save it for longer by freezing. Our Test Kitchen has confirmed that these food storage hacks truly work.
Let's start with refrigeration. Celery is a vegetable that loves a cool and moist environment. The key to storing celery in the refrigerator is to maintain its moisture while preventing it from getting too wet, which can lead to rot. One of the simplest and most effective methods is to wrap the celery in aluminum foil. The foil helps to lock in the natural moisture of the celery, keeping it fresh. Simply take your bunch of celery, remove any rubber bands or ties, and wrap it tightly in aluminum foil. Then, place it in the crisper drawer of your refrigerator. This method can keep your celery fresh for up to two weeks.
Another option for refrigeration is to use a plastic bag. But not just any plastic bag will do. You need to make sure the bag has some ventilation. You can either poke a few holes in a regular plastic bag or use a perforated plastic bag. Place the celery in the bag and store it in the crisper. The ventilation helps to prevent the build - up of excess moisture, which can cause the celery to spoil quickly. However, compared to the aluminum foil method, the plastic bag method may not keep the celery fresh for as long, usually around one week.
If you want to save your celery for an even longer time, freezing is a great option. Freezing celery is a wonderful way to preserve it for use in soups, stews, and other celery recipes. First, you need to prepare the celery for freezing. Wash the celery thoroughly under running water to remove any dirt or debris. Then, cut the celery into the desired size. You can cut it into slices, cubes, or leave it in sticks, depending on how you plan to use it later.
After cutting, blanch the celery. Blanching is a crucial step as it helps to stop the enzyme action that can cause the celery to lose its flavor, color, and texture during freezing. To blanch the celery, bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the cut celery to the boiling water and let it cook for about 2 - 3 minutes. Then, quickly transfer the celery to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process. This will help to preserve the nutrients and the crispness of the celery as much as possible.
Once the celery is blanched and cooled, drain it well. You can use a colander or a clean kitchen towel to remove any excess water. Then, place the celery in freezer - safe bags or containers. Make sure to remove as much air as possible from the bags or containers before sealing them. Label the bags or containers with the date of freezing so that you can keep track of how long the celery has been in the freezer.
Frozen celery can last for up to 8 - 12 months in the freezer. When you're ready to use it, simply take out the amount you need and add it directly to your soups, stews, or other recipes. You don't need to thaw the celery first, as it will cook quickly in the hot liquid. The frozen celery may not be as crisp as fresh celery, but it will still add a great flavor and nutritional value to your dishes.
In conclusion, whether you choose to refrigerate or freeze your celery, these methods can help you make the most of this versatile vegetable. By following these simple steps, you can ensure that you always have fresh or preserved celery on hand for your favorite recipes. So, the next time you buy a bunch of celery, don't worry about it going bad quickly. Instead, use these food storage techniques to keep it fresh and ready to use whenever you need it.