Fresh carrots and celery are the most-used vegetables in my kitchen, but they can be tricky to keep fresh for a long time without proper storage. These simple tricks will keep them fresh and crispy with the best flavor for weeks! Here’s how to store carrots and celery (both cut and whole).

Why Do Carrots and Celery Go Limp? 


  • Loss of Moisture: Carrots and celery go limp when exposed to the dry fridge air for an extended period of time. The dry air of the fridge causes the carrots and celery to experience moisture loss. Just storing these veggies in the crisper drawer isn’t enough. 
  • Cold Storage Methods Work Best: Cold storage methods that allow the veggies to retain moisture are the best way to store the veggies in the fridge. These methods work no matter where you buy your produce: the grocery store or farmers market, or even if grow your own veggies. 
  • Don’t Toss Limp Veggies: Limp celery and carrots can still be used for cooking, like making broth, soup, or stir-fry.

Here’s everything you need to know about storing carrots and celery the right way to get the best results and avoid food waste and save money.

How to store carrots and celery in mason jars.
Store cut celery or carrots in jars filled with water.

How to Store Cut Carrots and Celery (Video & Steps)

Tips to Remember

  • Cut celery and carrots store best in a container of water.
  • No need to wash the carrots or celery before storing.
  • This easy method is a great way to prep the celery and carrots so the veggies are ready for snacking. I also love making a side of ranch dressing/dip.
  • Step 1: Cut carrots and/or celery into sticks: If the whole carrots have carrot greens/tops attached, cut the tops from the carrots to remove them from the carrot root. The green tops may be used to make pesto (use 1/2 basil, 1/2 carrot tops) or discard. Also remove any celery leaves. Cut the carrots and/or celery ribs into the desired sizes: carrot slices, sticks, coins, etc. The veggies need to fit inside your container of choice.
  • Step 2: Add carrots and/or celery to jars: Add the carrots and/or celery to mason jars or storage jars (anything works). I’ve found that wide-mouth mason jars work well for “sticks” since the pieces stand up in the jars.
  • Step 3: Fill the jar(s) with cold water and cover the carrots and/or celery in a water bath. Secure the lid(s) on the container(s).  
  • Step 4: Store the carrots and/or celery in the fridge: Store the jars in the fridge for up to 2 weeks. Discard and replenish the water in the jars every few days. 
Trim the ends from the carrots and/or celery, then wash to remove dirt. Cut the veggies into “sticks.”
Adding celery and carrots to mason jars.
Add the celery or carrot sticks to storage jars, then cover with cold water.

How to Store Baby Carrots & Keep Them Crunchy 

​Baby carrots are notorious for drying out. To keep the carrots crunchy and moist, here’s how to store them for a few weeks…

Baby Carrot Storage

  • Place the baby carrots in a large storage container.
  • Pour water over the carrots, so the carrots are fully submerged. 
  • Add a lid or skip the lid (your choice).
  • Place the container in the fridge and store the carrots for several weeks. Discard and replenish the water every few days to keep everything fresh and avoid bacterial growth.

How to Store Whole Unpeeled Carrots 

There are various methods, from the moist sand method to using a root cellar (a basement space, which is great for long term food storage).

But my preferred method is to use the plastic bag method. Using this method, carrots will last several months in the fridge. Yes, a short period of time, but unless you have a huge bushel of carrots and need long-term storage, this method works great.

Unpeeled Whole Carrot Storage

  • Place the (unwashed) carrots, with the tops removed from the root vegetable, in a large plastic bag (like a gallon-size freezer bag). 
  • Seal the bag. 
  • Store the airtight bag in coolest part of the fridge (usually the back of the fridge). 
  • This will keep the carrots fresh for weeks, and even months at a time. 

 Helpful Tips

  • No need to wash the carrots before storing.
  • Don’t peel the carrots before storing.
  • Some people like to wrap all the carrots in a paper towel before placing in the bag to capture the moisture that can build up over time (or just line the bag with a paper towel). I haven’t found this necessary, but you’re welcome to do so if you find moisture builds up on the bag over time causing rot on the carrots.
Placing whole unpeeled carrots in a storage bag.
Store whole UNPEELED carrots in a bag in the fridge. Add a paper towel if too much moisture builds up.

How to Store Whole Peeled Carrots

Since peeled carrots no longer have a protective peel (which keeps them from drying out), here’s the best way to store them…

PS: This also works for storing unpeeled carrots, if you don’t want to use the bag method above.

Peeled Whole Carrot Storage

  • Place the whole, peeled carrots in a large container.
  • Pour water into the container. The carrots should be mostly submerged in the water. There’s no need to add a lid. 
  • Place the carrots in the fridge. 
  • Change the water every few days for freshness. 
Placing whole carrots in a glass storage jar with water.
This method works for both peeled and unpeeled carrots. Store in a container, cover with water.

How to Store Whole Celery 

The easy way to store whole celery is to…

Whole Celery Storage

  • Wrap the celery, with the root still attached, in foil. No need to wash the celery first. 
  • Place the wrapped celery stalk in the crisper drawer of the fridge. 
  • As you need celery ribs, remove the foil, peel or cut off as many ribs as needed, then return the celery to the foil wrap. 
  • Celery will last for about a month (or longer) when stored this way. 
How to Keep Cut Carrot and Celery Crisp and Fresh
4.37 from 58 votes

How to Fresh Store Carrots & Celery (Cut & Whole)

How to keep carrots and celery fresh and crisp for weeks! Prep carrots and celery in advance to use throughout the week to reduce meal prep time.
Kristin Marr
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time5 minutes
Total Time14 days
Course How To
Cuisine American
Servings 1 as many carrots or celery as desired
Cost: $2

Ingredients

Cut Celery or Carrots Storage

  • 1 quart-size mason jar or storage container of choice
  • water
  • carrots
  • celery

Whole Unpeeled Carrots Storage

  • 1 gallon-size storage bag
  • unpeeled carrots this method does not work with peeled carrots

Whole Peeled Carrots Storage

  • 1 large storage container
  • water
  • peeled carrots (this method also works with unpeeled carrots if you prefer not to use a bag)

Whole Celery Storage

  • 1 piece foil
  • 1 celery stalk (whole celery)

Instructions

For Cut Carrots and Celery

  • Cut the carrots and/or celery ribs into the desired sizes: sticks, coins, etc. I recommend storing the carrots in one jar and celery in another jar.
  • Add the carrots and/or celery to mason jars or storage jars. I’ve found that wide-mouth mason jars work well for “sticks” since the pieces can stand up in the jars.
  • Fill the jars with water. Secure the lids on the jars.
  • Store the jars in the fridge for up to 2 weeks (or longer). Change the water every few days to keep things fresh.

For Whole Unpeeled Carrots:

  • Place the (unwashed) carrots, with the tops removed, in a large plastic bag (like a gallon-size freezer bag).
  • Seal the bag. 
  • Store the airtight bag in coolest part of the fridge (usually the back of the fridge). This will keep the carrots fresh for weeks, and even months at a time. 

For Whole Peeled Carrots:

  • Place the whole, peeled carrots in a large container. (This method also works for unpeeled whole carrots if you prefer not to use the bag method.)
  • Pour water into the container. The carrots should be mostly submerged in the water. There's no need to add a lid. 
  • Place the carrots in the fridge. Change the water every few days for freshness.

For Whole Celery:

  • Wrap the celery stalk, with the root still attached, in foil. No need to wash the celery first. 
  • Place the wrapped celery in the crisper drawer of the fridge. 
  • As you need celery ribs, remove the foil, peel or cut off as many ribs as needed, then return the celery stalk to the foil wrap. Celery will last for about a month (or longer) when stored this way. 

Video

Notes

For more fresh storage tips, check out my food storage section on the blog
Tried this recipe?Let me know how it was!
Don’t let it rot!

FREE PRODUCE GUIDE

21 Storage Hacks to Keep Your Produce Fresh

How to Use Carrots 

There are so many different ways to use carrots. From a side dish to a snack. Here are a few of my favorite ways…

How to Use Celery 

Celery also has many different uses. Here are a few of my favorites: 

  • A salad: Chop or dice celery ribs for a salad. You can also add the leafy greens.
  • Snack: Serve with hummus or ranch dressing/dip.
  • Soup Base: Make a mirepoix; a combo of chopped celery, carrots, and onion-the base of any good soup.
  • Stock/Broth: Use the ribs to make a veggie broth or chicken broth for soups. 
  • Celery Soup: A delicious soup to serve alongside a sandwich or quesadilla. 

FAQs

Yes, you can! But to preserve the nutrients when frozen, first cut the carrots, then blanch in boiling water for 2 minutes, then immeadiately submerge in a bowl of ice cold water. This will immeadiately stop the cooking, keeping the carrots crisp. Once cool, remove the carrots, dry off, then place on a sheet pan and freeze on a single layer (add parchment paper to the sheet pan first to keep carrots from sticking to the pan). Remove the carrots, once frozen, and add to a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 12 months. Here’s how to freeze carrots. Frozen carrots are best used for cooking; not eating raw. 

You don’t need to blanch celery, like carrots, but you can if you want to preserve the flavor. If you choose to blanch the celery before freezing, follow the same instructions as the carrots. If not, arrange the cut (raw) celery on a sheet pan (line the sheet pan with parchment paper first), then freeze in a single layer. Once frozen, add the celery to a freezer bag and store in the freezer for up to 18 months! Here’s how to freeze celery. Frozen celery is best used for cooking; not eating raw. 

Store cooked carrots just like any leftover. Place the carrots in an airtight container, then store in the fridge for up to 5 days. Reheat in the microwave or add to a saucepan with a bit of water on the stove-top. 

Take a Peek Inside My Fridge: Take a tour of my fridge and see all my storage hacks for saving money and keeping produce fresh.

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58 Comments

    1. Hey Naina, Beets store best either in their whole form a cold place like the crisper drawer or you could roast or steam them and store in an air-tight container for about 5 days.

      1. Hi. I just found your site 2021. Love your info & tips.

        One question. Do you peel the pre washed cut carrots? I did & left uncovered in Tupperware flat containers especially the thicker thicker ones started getting getting soft after a few days.

      2. Hey, welcome! So glad you’re enjoying the blog. So the trick is keeping them covered. I will put them in water uncovered and uncut for just a couple of days. After that, if I cut them, I cut, then store in water in a covered container. I don’t peel my carrots, but you definitely can.

        LS Team

  1. Lettuce will keep its crispness for about a week if you first break off & wash the leaves; allow to drain to almost dry. Wrap leaves in paper towel and place in air tight container. Will last a week or more.

  2. Hi! Thank you so much for your tips. I have found them so helpful! You said you cut peppers and put them in a mason jar without water. How long do you find they last this way? Thanks!

  3. been doing it for years! works well.
    i also discovered how to keep asparagus longer… break spears when you get home from the market, place in a jar, add about an inch or two of water and place in the fridge (change water every couple of days or so)) cover with a plastic bag (or not) the spears will keep fresh about 2 weeks.
    uncut avocados will keep about 2 weeks if you wrap them individually with plastic wrap & place in fridge.

  4. Thank you so much kristen.
    If I’m to seal in a plastic bag with water in it, considering what you said about changing the water every few days, how long do you think it can stay fresh?

  5. Such a great tip for holiday dinner prep:) Very time-saving exercise in cutting up the carrots and celery a few days before the meal and storing in the fridge, not to mention a huge stress reducer!

    1. Cut cucumbers only last 2-3 days in the fridge. I store them in an air-tight container in the fridge. If you want them to last longer, you can spoon out the mushy center, which will extend their life for a couple more days.

  6. What a great idea; thank you! I think I will use the veggie water in soups and for steaming other veggies, instead of discarding it when changing the water every few days.

    1. Hey Matty, Can you share this source? If you don’t feel comfortable, use what you feel most comfortable with. I personally find air-tight containers work best.

  7. This process also worked well for shredded lettuce & cabbage. I prefer shredded lettuce for tacos & burgers instead of leaf lettuce. I kept in the fridge at least a week & it didn’t wilt this way.

  8. My sister does that sliced carrots and put in a jar of water. I just opened a jar and was startled that it spewed up and sizzling bubbles like opening a carbonated bottle!!! I asked her how long ago did she put together the carrots. It was about two weeks. I just googled and should be 7 days. We tried the carrots and they tasted all right but I told her when under suspicion, throw them away. I was thinking carrots are sweet and could have fermented????

    1. Hey Barbara, Sounds like they started to ferment, as you mentioned. I recommend changing the water every couple of days to prevent this and opening the jar often (hopefully you’re using the carrots often).

  9. Has anyone tried storing the celery sticks in water and in a mason jar mason for about 3 weeks? Mine stayed fresh–flavorful and crispy.

      1. If you dump the water, you dump all the water soluble vitamins and the minerals. Drink the water or use it in a soupor sauce.

  10. Works great with chopped green onions that usually wilts pretty quick. Lasts in the fridge for about a week

  11. I just did that this weekend! I didn’t fill up the jars though, so I will go back and do that. Thanks for the tips!

  12. Thanks for posting these tips. I’m trying to pre-prep a weeks worth of ‘mini vegetable tray’ snacks. I’ve cut everything up (carrots, celery, orange bell peppers and broccoli) and attractively placed them all together (touching) with grape tomatoes in small tupperware. I am now realizing they might not preserve well in the same container for more than a day or two. Any tips on how this could be done better? I’d like to be able to just grab a ‘mini tray’ or two with a lite ranch dip cup to snack on without having to fenangle with multiple containers or additional prep, if possible.

    1. Oh, and snap peas are also in the mix, in case it makes any difference. Based on your comment to Gary, I might opt to put carrots and celery in one container with water (which I’ll dump right as I pull it out), and put the other veggies in another. Two containers wouldn’t be the end of the world, but 5 or 6 starts to feel like it. 🙂 Any insights are appreciated.

    2. Hey James, I think you’ll be okay for a day or two. You could add a moist paper towel to the base of the container to keep everything moist (avoid the dried out look).

    1. Do the vegetables have to be stored in jars because I don’t have any! Would they work in any other containers? Or is just jars only

  13. Such a great solution! Do you know if this works well for other cut veggies as well (i.e. red pepper strips, cucumber sticks, etc.)? Love the blog, thanks for all the helpful tips 🙂

    1. Thank you, Cynthia! I’m so glad the post was helpful for you. For pepper sticks, I slice them up and place them in the same mason jars, but don’t add water. They stay moist without any extra assistance (water). For cucumber slices or sticks, I use a flat glass container, and place a paper towel at the base of the container and then add the cucumbers. This seems to help them stay moist, but not get slimy for a few days. Hope that helps!