Celery

Store unwashed in the crisper drawer, wrapped in aluminum foil or a plastic bag. Cut celery can be stored in water in the fridge for up to 5 days, changing water daily. Not recommended for freezing raw due to high water content; blanch first if freezing.

Very low calorie, high water content (95%). Good source of vitamin K and potassium.

Save celery leaves for stocks, soups, or as an herb garnish—they have concentrated celery flavor

Revive limp celery by trimming the ends and standing stalks in ice water for 30 minutes

Cut celery on a bias for more elegant presentation in stir-fries and salads

Use the tender inner stalks (the heart) raw for snacking or salads; save tougher outer stalks for cooking

Remove strings from outer stalks with a vegetable peeler if serving raw

Onions and carrots (classic mirepoix base)

Peanut butter or cream cheese (classic snack combination)

Blue cheese and buffalo sauce (wings accompaniment)

Chicken, especially in chicken salad or soup

Tomatoes in Bloody Marys and gazpacho

Apples and walnuts in Waldorf salad

Tuna or egg salad for added crunch

Discarding the leaves and base—both add flavor to stocks and can be composted or used

Not removing tough strings from outer stalks when eating raw, resulting in unpleasant texture