Question

Harvest celery stalks by removal of the outer petioles when they are a foot or more in length. Whole plants are ready to use when they are 3 inches or more in diameter. The inner stalks are the most tender and taste the best uncooked. Celery harvested in hot, dry weather may be tough, stringy, and bitter. Store harvested celery in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. This video isn't the step-by-step version you're seeking, but it does show you how the industrial growers harvest theirs, assembly-line style. Their method is essentially two well-placed cuts with a machete, the first at the base of the plant and the second to remove the leaves (which you should hold onto for soups). Photo credit: Meganpru