Celery is a crunchy, refreshing vegetable that adds a delightful crunch to salads, soups, and snacks. But like all fresh produce, celery doesn’t last forever. Knowing how to tell if celery is bad can save you from eating something unpleasant or even unsafe. In this article, we’ll walk you through the simple signs to look for, so you can enjoy celery at its best and avoid waste.
What Does Fresh Celery Look and Feel Like?
Before diving into the signs of spoilage, it helps to know what fresh celery should be like:
– Color: Bright, light green stalks with crisp, vibrant leaves.
– Texture: Firm, crunchy, and rigid stalks that snap easily.
– Smell: Mild, clean, and earthy scent.
– Moisture: Dry to the touch, not slimy or wet.
If your celery matches these characteristics, you’re good to go!
Signs That Celery Has Gone Bad
1. Limp or Wilted Stalks
One of the first signs celery is past its prime is when the stalks become limp and bend easily instead of snapping crisp. Limp celery loses its crunch and becomes rubbery, which affects the texture and enjoyment.
2. Discoloration
Fresh celery is a lovely light green. When it starts to go bad, the stalks and leaves may show:
– Yellowing or browning of leaves
– Brown or faded spots on the stalks
– Dark patches or unusual discoloration
These color changes indicate the celery is aging and breaking down.
3. Slimy Texture
If your celery feels slimy or sticky, it’s a clear warning sign of spoilage. Sliminess is caused by bacterial growth and means the celery should be discarded immediately.
4. Mold Growth
Mold can appear as fuzzy or powdery spots in white, green, or black on the celery surface. Because mold spreads quickly, any visible mold means it’s time to toss the celery to avoid contamination of other foods.
5. Off or Sour Smell
Fresh celery has a mild, earthy aroma. If you detect a sour, rancid, or otherwise unpleasant odor, the celery is no longer fresh and should be thrown away.
6. Presence of Bugs
Sometimes, bugs or small insects can be found on celery. This is a sign the celery is no longer good and should be discarded to prevent contamination in your kitchen.
7. Bitter or Sour Taste
If you taste the celery and it has a bitter, sour, or off flavor, it has gone bad. Fresh celery tastes mild and slightly sweet, so any deviation in taste indicates spoilage.
How Long Does Celery Last?
Properly stored celery can last up to two weeks in the refrigerator. However, it’s best to consume it before it starts to wilt or discolor, as old celery loses nutritional value and flavor.
Tips to Keep Celery Fresh Longer
– Store in the fridge: Keep celery in the crisper drawer for optimal humidity.
– Wrap in foil: Wrapping celery in aluminum foil helps retain moisture without making it soggy.
– Keep stalks whole: Celery lasts longer when kept in whole stalks rather than cut pieces.
– Use water storage: Some people store celery upright in a jar of water, changing the water every few days to keep it crisp.
Following these tips can help extend celery’s shelf life and keep it fresh and crunchy.
When in Doubt, Throw It Out
If you notice any combination of limpness, discoloration, slime, mold, bad smell, or off taste, it’s safest to discard the celery. Eating spoiled celery can cause digestive discomfort or foodborne illness.
Celery is a fantastic vegetable when fresh, but knowing how to spot when it’s gone bad ensures you always enjoy it at its best. Keep an eye on the color, texture, smell, and taste, and store it properly to maximize freshness. Your salads, soups, and snacks will thank you!