An A to Z guide to choosing, storing, preparing, and cooking fresh produce and recipe ingredients.
Stockbyte/Getty ImagesCelery
Mild yet distinctive in taste (it has notes of pine and citrus), celery has long been an essential ingredient in classical
French cooking.
Season: Available year-round.
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How to Choose Celery
Look for firm, tightly packed stalks with fresh, unwilted leaves and a bright yet pale green color. Celery hearts, which are simply the most tender innermost stalks, are sometimes sold separately and have a milder flavor. -
How to Store Celery
Leave stalks attached to the root end until just before using. Refrigerate, loosely wrapped, for up to 2 weeks. Keep celery away from cold spots in the refrigerator; it freezes easily, turning limp and soggy.
How to Prepare Celery
With a thorough rinsing, most celery stalks are ready to use. If the outer stalks are particularly thick and tough, remove the strings with a vegetable peeler.
—Melinda Page
Find out what's in season in your area right now, then locate a farmers' market near you.
