Celery is a crunchy and refreshing vegetable that is often used in salads, soups, and as a garnish for cocktails.
It’s a versatile ingredient that adds a nice crunch and a subtle, slightly bitter flavor to dishes. However, like any product, celery can go bad if it’s not stored properly or if it’s past its prime.
In this blog post, we’ll explore how to tell if celery is bad and how to properly store it to ensure that it stays fresh and delicious.
So, if you’re wondering whether your celery is still good to eat or if it’s time to toss it out, keep reading for some helpful tips on telling if it is bad.
How To Tell If Celery Is Bad?
There are a few key signs that celery has gone bad and is no longer safe to eat. Here are some ways to tell if celery is bad:
1. Appearance
One of the most obvious signs that celery has gone bad is if it looks wilted, discolored, or slimy. Fresh celery should be crisp and bright green. If it looks wilted or discolored, it’s probably past its prime.
2. Smell
Another way to tell if celery is bad is by using your sense of smell. Fresh celery should have a slightly earthy, vegetal smell. If it smells off or is unpleasant, it’s probably time to toss it.
3. Texture
Another key indicator of whether celery is still good to eat is its texture. Fresh celery should be crisp and crunchy. If it’s soft or limp, it’s probably no longer fresh.
4. Mold
If you notice any visible mold growing on the celery, it’s definitely time to toss it. Mold can be harmful to consume and should not be eaten.
If you’re not sure whether your celery is still good to eat, it’s always better to err on the side of caution and throw it out. It’s better to waste a little bit of food than to risk getting sick.
What Does Celery Taste Like When It Goes Bad?
When celery goes bad, it can develop a number of off-flavors and smells. Here are a few things that celery may taste like when it goes bad:
1. Sour
As celery starts to go bad, it may develop a sour or fermented taste. This is due to bacteria’s growth on the celery’s surface.
2. Bitter
Celery that has been stored for too long may start to taste bitter or rancid. This is due to the breakdown of the natural oils in the celery.
3. Musty
If celery is stored in a humid or damp environment, it may taste musty or moldy. This is due to mold growth on the celery’s surface.
4. Off
If celery tastes off or unpleasant in any way, it’s probably no longer fresh and should be discarded.
How Long Does Celery Last In Fridge?
In general, celery will last for about a week to ten days in the refrigerator if it’s stored properly.
However, it’s always a good idea to check the celery for any signs of spoilage before using it. If it looks wilted, slimy, or has any off odors, it’s probably time to toss it out.
What Happens If You Eat Bad Celery?
Eating bad celery may cause symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. The severity of these symptoms will depend on the extent to which the celery has gone bad and how much of it was consumed.
In some cases, eating bad celery may also cause food poisoning, which can lead to more serious health problems.
Conclusion
Some key signs that celery has gone bad include wilting, black spots, and a strong, unpleasant odor. If you notice any of these signs, it is best to discard the celery and purchase a fresh batch. Proper storage and handling of celery can help extend its shelf life and ensure it is safe to eat.
By following these simple guidelines, you can enjoy the health benefits of celery without any risk of foodborne illness.
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