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Gunther Heller

Does Celery Root Go Bad?

Source: USDA FoodKeeper and FSIS · last verified November 2026

Illustration of celery root
Celery root Per USDA FoodKeeper
Counter
Not recommended
keep it cold
Fridge
1 week
at or below 40°F (4°C)
Freezer
Not listed
no FoodKeeper figure
Quick answer

Yes. Celery root lasts 1 week in the fridge. After that, or sooner if stored badly, it spoils: watch for the signs below.

How to tell if celery root is bad

Smell

Fermented, sour or musty odour.

Texture

Soft, mushy or leaking spots, or wrinkled skin with soft flesh.

Colour

Dark bruising that spreads, or browning inside.

Mould

White, grey or green fuzz — discard soft produce; cut firm produce generously.

Celery root past the expiration date

Best-by and sell-by

FoodKeeper gives unopened celery root 1 week in the fridge, counted from the day you buy it. "Best-by" and "sell-by" describe quality and stock rotation, not safety; only infant formula carries a federally required use-by date.

Past the date

Celery root past its best-by date is usually safe if stored well; check smell, look and taste before using.

How to keep celery root fresh longer

  • Store unwashed; wash just before eating.
  • Keep ethylene producers (apples, bananas, avocados) away from produce that over-ripens.
  • Refrigerate once cut, in a covered container.

More about celery root

More “does it go bad?” answers, A–Z →

FAQ

How long does it take for celery root to go bad?
1 week in the fridge, per USDA FoodKeeper.
Can celery root expire?
FoodKeeper gives unopened celery root 1 week in the fridge, counted from the day you buy it. "Best-by" and "sell-by" describe quality and stock rotation, not safety; only infant formula carries a federally required use-by date.
What happens if you eat bad celery root?
Usually an unpleasant taste rather than illness, but discard anything mouldy, rancid or smelling off.
How do you keep celery root from going bad?
Store unwashed; wash just before eating.
Numbers on this page come from USDA FoodKeeper and FSIS guidance. Last verified November 2026. How we verify our data · Report a wrong number