How to Buy, Store, and Cook Celery, In Season in August

Summertime, and the growing is easy. This week, we'll be taking you through the seasonal ingredients you should be cooking with in August. Today: celery.

Crunchy, fragrant celery brightens any dish it touches. We love it shaved into a slaw, submerged in a Bloody Mary, bejeweling our lobster rolls--even whirled into a soup. And don't even think about throwing away the leaves--they give salads, grains, and even pasta a celery-scented lift. Sometimes, we straight up slather peanut butter on the stalks for a healthy pick-me-up snack (try it--it's delish).Read on for tips on buying, storing, and cooking with celery. And if you suddenly have a Bloody Mary hankering, you're not alone.

HOW TO BUY

Look for crisp, tightly formed bunches with no brown spots or yellow leaves.

HOW TO STORE

Keep celery in a plastic bag in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. Do not separate stalks until just before use, then remove any damaged stalks and wash thoroughly.