How To Store Celery Root

You can store celery root in the fridge for several weeks if you handle it right.
 
This knobby, humble vegetable also known as celeriac is a real workhorse in the kitchen.
 
But if you’ve ever bought a big beautiful celery root and watched it turn soft and fuzzy in a week, you know storage matters.
 
The good news is that learning how to store celery root properly is simpler than you think.
 
In this post, we’ll walk through the best ways to store celery root so it stays firm, flavorful, and ready to use for weeks.
 
Let’s dive in.
 

How to Store Celery Root: The Basics

How to store celery root comes down to three things: moisture, temperature, and airflow.
 
Celery root loves cool, humid conditions, which is why your fridge is its best friend.
 
But you can’t just toss it in the crisper drawer and forget about it.
 
Here’s how to store celery root the right way so it lasts.
 

1. Keep the Dirt On Until You’re Ready to Use It

When you store celery root, resist the urge to scrub it clean right away.
 
That thin layer of dirt actually protects the root from losing moisture.
 
Washing it too early introduces extra dampness that can lead to mold.
 
So leave the soil on and only rinse it right before cooking.
 

2. Trim the Leaves and Stems

If your celery root still has leafy tops attached, cut them off before storing.
 
Those greens pull moisture from the root and make it go soft faster.
 
You can save the leaves for soups or stocks, but keep them separate from the root.
 
This one small step makes a big difference in how long celery root lasts.
 

3. Wrap It in a Plastic Bag or Beeswax Wrap

To store celery root in the fridge, wrap it loosely in a plastic bag or beeswax wrap.
 
The goal is to trap some humidity without sealing it so tight that it sweats.
 
Poke a few small holes in the plastic bag if you’re using one.
 
This keeps the air moving and helps your celery root stay fresh.
 

4. Use the Crisper Drawer

The crisper drawer is designed for exactly this kind of storage.
 
It maintains higher humidity than the rest of the fridge, which celery root adores.
 
Set the drawer to the high-humidity setting if you have one.
 
Stored this way, celery root can last four to six weeks.
 

Other Ways to Store Celery Root

The fridge isn’t your only option for how to store celery root.
 
Depending on your space and how long you need it to last, you’ve got choices.
 
Here are a few other methods worth knowing.
 

1. Root Cellar or Cool Basement

If you’re lucky enough to have a root cellar, celery root will thrive there.
 
Pack the roots in damp sand, sawdust, or peat moss.
 
Keep the temperature between 32°F and 40°F for the best results.
 
This method can keep celery root firm for several months.
 

2. Freezing Celery Root

Freezing changes the texture, so it’s best for cooked dishes rather than raw salads.
 
Peel and cut the celery root into cubes or slices first.
 
Blanch the pieces in boiling water for about two minutes, then plunge them into ice water.
 
Drain well, spread on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to freezer bags.
 
Frozen celery root keeps for up to ten months and works great in soups and stews.
 

3. Dehydrating Celery Root

Dehydrating is another way to store celery root for the long haul.
 
Slice it thin and dry it at 125°F until the pieces are crisp.
 
Once dried, store the slices in airtight jars away from heat and light.
 
Rehydrate them later for soups or grind them into a flavorful powder.
 

Common Mistakes When You Store Celery Root

Even with good intentions, a few missteps can ruin your celery root fast.
 
Here’s what to avoid when you store celery root.
 

1. Storing It Near Ethylene-Producing Fruits

Apples, bananas, and pears release ethylene gas as they ripen.
 
That gas speeds up spoilage in nearby produce, including celery root.
 
Keep them in separate drawers or on different shelves.
 

2. Letting It Dry Out Completely

Celery root needs some humidity to stay firm.
 
If you leave it unwrapped in the fridge, it will shrivel and turn spongy.
 
Always give it a little protection, whether that’s a bag, wrap, or damp cloth.
 

3. Washing Before Storing

We mentioned this earlier, but it’s worth repeating.
 
Moisture on the surface invites mold and rot.
 
Wash celery root only when you’re ready to peel and cook it.
 

So, How to Store Celery Root?

How to store celery root is really about giving it cool, humid conditions and a bit of airflow.
 
Leave the dirt on, trim the tops, wrap it loosely, and tuck it into your crisper drawer.
 
With those simple steps, your celery root will stay firm and flavorful for weeks.
 
And if you need it to last even longer, freezing or dehydrating are great backup plans.
 
Now that you know how to store celery root, you can buy it with confidence and put it to good use in soups, mashes, and roasts whenever the mood strikes.