Freezing Celery: A Comprehensive Step-by-Step Guide

Got an abundance of celery? If you can't use it up before it spoils, freezing it is a great way to extend its shelf life for months. Here's everything you need to know about freezing, thawing, and using celery in your kitchen:

How Long Does Celery Stay Fresh?

The shelf life of celery depends on its storage. Uncut celery, tightly wrapped in aluminum foil and stored in the fridge, can last up to a month. Cut celery, stored in an airtight container, will stay fresh for about two weeks. On the other hand, frozen celery can last well over a year.

Is Freezing Celery Possible?

Melissa Goff

Absolutely! You can (and should) freeze uncooked celery if you don't plan to eat it within a few weeks. Keep in mind, however, that freezing alters the texture — thawed celery won't retain its signature crispness. Frozen celery is perfect for adding to soups, stews, and casseroles, but it’s not ideal for dishes that usually require fresh celery, like salads, garnishes, or ants on a log.

How to Freeze Celery

Wash. Rinse your celery stalks well under running water, using a vegetable brush if needed. Be sure to remove any visible dirt or debris.
Trim. Cut off the leaves and any white or discolored parts. Also, remove any tough strings. Your celery should be uniform and green when you're finished.
Chop. Use a sharp knife to chop the celery to your desired size. For soups and stews, it's helpful to dice the stalks now so you'll save time later.
Blanch (optional). Boil the chopped celery for 2 to 3 minutes, then immediately transfer it to an ice bath to halt the cooking process. Let it sit in the cold water for a few minutes. While blanching isn't mandatory, it helps preserve the flavor for a longer time.
Dry. Drain the celery in a colander, then pat it dry using a clean kitchen towel or paper towels.
Flash Freeze. Arrange the celery in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Freeze it overnight.
Freeze. Transfer the frozen celery into airtight freezer bags and label with the date. You can store it for up to 18 months.

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How to Thaw Celery

There's no need to thaw frozen celery before using it. You can go straight from the freezer to the stove. However, if you need to thaw it, just move it from the freezer to the fridge overnight, and it will be ready by morning.