Freezing Celery is the PERFECT way to preserve this flavor packed veggie for later use! You’ll have Celery for all kinds of recipes when you know how to freeze Celery!
Why This Recipe Works
- FAST
- EASY
- You Have Everything You Need In Your Kitchen Right Now!
Here’s How It’s Done….
STEP 1. Cut Up
Cut the Celery into the size pieces you want to use later.
STEP 2. Blanch the celery by lightly simmering it in a stockpot for 2-3 minutes.
Bring a large pot of water to a boil and gather your other supplies
STEP 3. Shock and Drain. . Spread out on baking sheet on top of parchment paper and freeze.
Plunge the Celery into ice water to stop the cooking. This will allow you to freeze the stalks individually and you’ll then be able to use as many as you need for recipes instead of having them all stick together in the bag.
Just make sure they aren’t touching on the pan when you put them in the freezer. Freeze them for at least 2 hours-6 hours. This is called Blanching Celery!
STEP 4. Pack into freezer bags.
Pack into resealable plastic bags, squeeze out as much air as possible. Spread back out into the bag and stack for freezing
How to Freeze Celery
To freeze Celery, blanch the Celery in salted water, shock in ice water and then pack into bags labeled .
How to Use Frozen Celery
You can USE frozen Celery in all kinds of recipes! Try with soups, add it into casseroles and add it to stews!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)
Can I Freeze Celery For Later Use?
Yep! Sure Can! That's what this recipe is all about! Scroll on to the bottom to find out exactly how!
What's the Best Way to Preserve Celery?
Freezing celery is one of the easiest and best ways to preserve it for a later use!
How Long is Frozen Celery Good For?
Frozen Celery is good for 6 months – 1 year. You will want to use it before that time.
How Do You Thaw Frozen Celery?
There’s no need to thaw them before using in your recipe, but if you want to thaw it, run cold water over it for a minute or two. If you put the bag that they are frozen into the fridge, they will also thaw. You will notice a lot of liquid in the bag. No need to use this liquid in your recipe.
Do I Need to Blanch Celery Before Freezing?
Yes, you DO need to blanch Celery before freezing. Blanching preserves the texture, vegetables and flavor for freezing.
How Do I Blanch Celery Before Freezing?
To blanch your Celery before freezing, simply follow the process that is outlined in the recipe card below or in the photos above!
Can I Freeze Fresh Celery Without Blanching?
You CAN freeze the Celery without blanching, however, the ice crystals that develop during will change the cell structure and your will be very mushy . It is much better to blanch.
What Happens If I DON’T Blanch the Celery Before Freezing?
If you do not blanch before freezing, the Celery will be more mushy, less colorful and have less nutrients available. Texture is an important part and you will want to preserve as much of the fresh texture as possible.
Can I Freeze An Entire Head of Celery?
You CAN freeze an entire head of Celery, however, you will need to blanch it and then cover it well. Because of the way it takes up space, you will probably want to cut the florets from the head first and freeze those.
Can I Freeze Roasted Celery?
Yes, once your veggie has been cooked, you can. HOWEVER, the texture will be much different when you thaw it. It’s best to roast fresh Celery and then consume what you roast.
How To Know When It’s Bad
If you notice….
- The Celery appears encased in ice crystals or frost
- It is very light colored and dry
- Celery has been in longer than 6 months.
- There was a lot of air in the package.
Tips and Tricks
- Gather all of your tools, pots and pans and other equipment before starting this project. You don’t want to have boiling water bubbling away and not have everything else you need.
- Put water in a large bowl in the sink but don’t add the ice until you are just ready to plunge the Celery in. That way your ice won’t all melt before you need it.
- Only put a few pieces of Celery into the boiling water at first. You don’t’ want to reduce the simmer with the Celery you put in. Things will go more quickly if you do fewer pieces at a time.
- Remove the iced Celery to a colander or a towel lined baking sheet to drain. You will want the it as dry as possible before packing into bags.
- Squeeze as much air from the freezer bag as you can before you seal it.
- Label the bag BEFORE you put it in. It’s much easier to write on an empty bag!
- And HERE is more information that you probably ever wanted to know about Celery!
PRO TIP: After you have squeezed the air out and sealed the bag, then spread the Celery back out in the bag so that it will lay flat in the freezer. This allows it to freeze evenly and is best for space saving in your freezer!
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How to Freeze Celery
Ingredients
- 2 tbs kosher salt
- 1 lb celery
Instructions
- Put a large stock pot of 4 quarts of water on to boil over high heat on the stove top. Add salt to the water
- While waiting for the water to heat, gather your other supplies. Place a large bowl in the sink with 1 Quart of water in it. Do not add the ice until just before adding celery to the boiling water.
- When water comes to a boil, reduce heat to medium so that water is at a hard simmer.
- Add ice to the bowl of water in the sink.
- Add your celery to the boiling water quickly using tongs or other tool. Only add a few pieces to the water at a time so that the water does not lose its boil
- Allow the vegetables to stay in the water just long enough to begin to change colors. You'll notice the color brightens.
- Remove the celery and plunge immediately into the ice water bath. Allow to soak there for 2-3 minutes.
- Remove the vegetables to a paper towel lined tray to dry.
- Use the paper towel to squeeze the celery gently and remove as much water as possible. Then lay the celery out onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Do not allow the pieces to touch each other. Freeze for 2-6 hours.
- Once frozen, measure quantities into resealable plastic bag. Squeeze as much air as possible from the bag and seal. Label the bag and place into the freezer.
Notes
- Gather all of your tools, pots and pans and other equipment before starting this project. You don’t want to have boiling water bubbling away and not have everything else you need.
- Put water in a large bowl in the sink but don’t add the ice until you are just ready to plunge the celery in. That way your ice won’t all melt before you need it.
- Only put a few pieces of celery into the boiling water at first. You don't’ want to reduce the simmer with the celery you put in. Things will go more quickly if you do fewer pieces at a time.
- Remove the iced celery to a colander or a towel lined baking sheet to drain. You will want the celery as dry as possible before packing into the freezer bags.
- Squeeze as much air from the freezer bag as you can before you seal it.
- Label the freezer bag BEFORE you put the celery in. It's much easier to write on an empty bag!
"Back Woods" Barbie says
GREAT TIPS. Thank you. I waste celery by cutting a couple stalks for a recipe & then forgetting it in the fridge till its gone bad.
Wendi Spraker says
Thanks! I'm glad this will help you save a little money!
Wendi Spraker says
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