Choose celery that looks crisp and snaps easily when pulled apart. It should be relatively tight and compact and not have stalks that splay out. The leaves should be pale to bright green in color and free from yellow or brown patches.

Sometimes celery can have a condition called "blackheart," which is caused by insects. To check for damage, separate the stalks and looks for brown or black discoloration. In addition, evaluate the celery to ensure that it does not have a seedstem - the presence of a round stem in place of the smaller tender stalks that should reside in the center of the celery. Celery with seedstems are often more bitter in flavor.

To store celery, place it in a sealed container or wrap it in a plastic bag or damp cloth and store it in the refrigerator. If you are storing cut or peeled celery, ensure that it is dry and free from water residue, as this can drain some of its nutrients. Freezing will make celery wilt and should be avoided unless you will be using it in a future cooked recipe.

Tips For Preparing Celery

To clean celery, cut off the base and leaves, then wash the leaves and stalks under running water. Cut the stalks into pieces of desired length. If the outside of the celery stalk has fibrous strings, remove them by making a thin cut into one end of the stalk and peeling away the fibers. Be sure to use the leaves - they contain the most Vitamin C, calcium and potassium - but use them within a day or two as they do not store well.

Celery should not be kept at room temperature for too long since, because of its high water content, it has a tendency to wilt quickly. If you have celery that has wilted, sprinkle it with a little water and place it in the refrigerator for several hours when it will regain its crispness.

Tips For Serving Celery

Add chopped celery to your favorite tuna fish or chicken salad recipe.

Enjoy the delicious tradition of eating peanut butter or cream cheese on celery stalks.

Use celery leaves in salads.

Braise chopped celery, radicchio, and onions and serve topped with walnuts and your favorite soft cheese.

Next time you are making fresh squeezed carrot juice, give it a unique taste dimension by adding some celery to it.

Add celery leaves and sliced celery stalks to soups, stews, casseroles, and healthy stir-fries.