Celery

Look for celery that has:

• A light to medium green color
• Rigid, crisp, compact stalks
• Green leaflets that are crisp or no more than slightly wilted
• No bruises or discolorations
• A fresh celery fragrance

All of the criteria above indicate freshness.

Notes

Did you know you could revive wilted celery by soaking it in ice water? You also cancut the bottom off the stalk and putting the stalk in a glass of water in the refrigerator. This celery will not be as crisp or flavorful as fresh celery, but it will still be useable in a recipe.

When you get your celery home

Store your celery in the refrigerator, preferrably in the crisper. It should stay fresh for about a week-and-a-half. To use, break as many stalks off the bunch needed and cut the leaves off the top of the stalks (unless otherwise directed by a recipe). Run the stalks under cold water, rub off any soil, and cut or chop as directed. Freeze celery trimmings and leftover chopped celery pieces in a plastic bag and use it to flavor stock, soup, stew, and other food dishes.