While buying, look for celery with green fresh-looking leaves and straight stems. If the leaves or any outer stalks are missing, it is likely to be rather old, and is worth avoiding.

Celery will stay for several days in the salad drawer of the refrigerator. Limp celery can be revived by wrapping it in absorbent paper and standing it in a jar of water. Wash if necessary and pull the stalks apart, trimming the base with a sharp knife. Cut into thick or thin slices according to the recipe.

When served raw and whole, the coarse outer 'strings' should be removed from each stalk by pulling them up from the base. Serve celery raw and finely sliced in salads, mixed with cream cheese or soured cream. Braised celery is tasty, either whole or sliced.