How to Properly Store Celeriac Root for Maximum Freshness

October 5, 2024 by Simply Bloom

Also known as celery root celeriac is a knobby, odd-shaped root vegetable with a delicious nutty flavor. It can be eaten raw or cooked, adding great taste to salads, soups, stews and more. However, improper storage can lead to quick spoilage. Follow these tips to learn how to best store celeriac root after harvest or purchase for enhanced longevity.

Celeriac Root Storage Overview

Celeriac root has a relatively short shelf life compared to hardier root veggies like potatoes or carrots. Proper post-harvest handling is important to preserve freshness as long as possible.

Here are some key tips for storing celeriac:

Keep refrigerated at all times with high humidity
Do not wash before storing
Cut off leafy tops

Avoid exposure to sunlight or warmth
Use within 2-3 weeks for best quality

Storing Whole Celeriac Root

For whole, unpeeled celeriac roots, ideal storage conditions include:

Cold temperature – As close to 32°F (0°C) as possible. The refrigerator crisper drawer is a good option.
High humidity – 90-95% relative humidity is optimal. Wrap in damp paper towels or perforated plastic bags
Ventilation – Some air circulation helps prevent mold or rotting, Do not use airtight containers

Darkness – Avoid light exposure which can trigger bitterness and discoloration.
Unsliced – Cut surfaces lose moisture quickly. Leave whole until ready to use.

Under proper conditions, whole celeriac root will keep for 2-3 weeks. Check frequently and use immediately if any mold, soft spots or shriveling develop.

Storing Peeled or Cut Celeriac

Once peeled and cut, celeriac is highly perishable and extra care is required:

Place cut pieces in acidified, cold water (splash of lemon juice or vinegar) to prevent browning
Pat dry thoroughly before refrigerating
Seal tightly in airtight containers or resealable plastic bags

Use within 3-5 days for best quality and flavor

Minimize cutting until ready to eat, as exposing the inner flesh drastically reduces shelf life compared to whole roots.

Long-Term Celeriac Root Storage

For long-term storage spanning months (not weeks), additional measures must be taken:

Cellaring

Celeriac can be cellared in a cold room near 32°F with very high humidity such as 90-95%. Burying roots in moist sawdust, sand, peat or leaves helps retain moisture while preventing freezing. Ventilation is still needed to avoid rot. Under proper cellaring conditions, celeriac may last 4-6 months.

Freezing

Freezing is another option for long-term storage. Wash, peel and cut celeriac into 1⁄2 inch pieces. Blanch 2-3 minutes until almost tender. Cool, pat dry and seal in freezer bags removing air. Frozen celeriac will last about 10-12 months.

Dehydrating

Wash, peel, slice celeriac 1⁄4 inch thick and dehydrate at 140°F until completely dried. Properly dried pieces can be kept in airtight jars or bags for up to a year. Rehydrate in soups or stews before using.

What to Avoid When Storing Celeriac

Watch out for these common storage mistakes that quickly ruin celeriac roots:

Leaving greens or rootlets attached – these speed moisture loss
Exposing to light, heat or room temperature

Washing before storing – moisture accelerates spoilage
Using sealed containers without ventilation
Cutting or slicing too far in advance

Freezing without blanching first

Properly stored celeriac root will retain optimum freshness and flavor for weeks. Just be sure to keep it cold, humid, dark and intact until ready to use. With a bit of care, you can enjoy this tasty root vegetable long after purchase or harvest.

The Best Way to Store Root Vegetables

FAQ

Does celeriac need to be refrigerated?

Storing & Cooking Information Storing: Celeriac will last several weeks in the hydrator drawer of the fridge or in a plastic bag in the fridge. Do not wash before storing in fridge. Freezing: Celeriac freezes well. Wash, peel and cut into discs or cubes.

How do you store celeriac after cutting?

Store it unwrapped to maintain its quality, however once cut open store in an airtight container to stop it drying out, you can squeeze a lemon over the cut surface to stop oxidisation too. Celeriac should last several weeks without significant loss of quality.

How long does celeriac last once cut?

Keep it cool: Celeriac should be stored in a cool, dark, and dry place such as a root cellar, a cold garage or in the refrigerator. Use it within a month: Whole celeriac can last up to two months if stored properly. Once cut, store it in a refrigerator for about a week.

How to store celery root in the fridge?

Celery root stores well at cool temperatures and should last for a few weeks stored in the produce drawer of the refrigerator, loosely wrapped in a kitchen towel or paper or plastic bag.

How to store celeriac?

You need to cut off any green leafy parts and roots on the celeriac. After that, you have to brush off any dirt on the celery roots. Do not wash celeriac before storage to prevent the possibility of discoloration. Use your hands or a small brush to remove any dirt and soil on the root vegetable.

How to make celery juice?

You can make celery juice by blending the vegetable in a blender with water or another liquid, such as lemon or orange juice. It is also possible to include other fruits such as apples or pineapples.

Can celeriac be stored in a root cellar?

Storing celeriac in a root cellar allows it to stay fresh for a longer period, sometimes up to several months. The cool and humid environment helps maintain the vegetable’s texture and flavor. If you want to extend the storage life of celeriac even further, you can freeze it.

How do you keep celeriac from drying out?

Wrap the whole celeriac tightly in a damp paper towel. Place the wrapped celeriac in a plastic bag or airtight container. Store in the refrigerator’s crisper drawer or a vegetable compartment. By wrapping the celeriac in a damp paper towel, you help maintain its moisture and prevent it from drying out.

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