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Is there a Celery problem?

I just returned from the market; A&P's current circular had celery hearts on sale; now I was going to buy celery anyway but I said okay I'll get the celery hearts.

When I got to the market and looked at the produce section the celery hearts that were available looked pathetic; yellowing, spotted, somewhat firm, but not totally. The whole celery next to it was in even worse shape - if it was in my refrigerator at home I would've thrown it out.

Is this an anomaly? Or is there a harvest issue I haven't heard about?

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  1. There is a drought issue. California produces 75% of the nation's celery, with Florida the second largest producer.

    2 Replies
    1. re: janniecooks

      Well, duh! <smacking head> of course I'd heard about the drought, but isn't is amazing how we can forget the really important news when going about our own business?

      I didn't know about the percentages, though. Thanks for all the info.

      I guess I'll just have to be patient. Weird thing is, I was able to get decent celery not all that long ago; must have been from Florida.

      1. re: janniecooks

        That's interesting... I'm in SoCal and just picked up some gorgeous, large, and crispy celery yesterday.

      2. Interesting you say that, I've noticed the same. To the point below about the drought, I'm definitely noticing it in terms of the fewer organic fruits available in the Bucks County area.

        1. Polar Vortex?
          Any chance it's also the abnormally snowy and long winter season over so much of the US & CA?
          Anyone who's had a too cold fridge knows that celery doesn't fare well semi-frozen!

          1. I assuem this must be a north American thing. Here, in Europe, celery looks as perky as ever.

            1 Reply
            1. re: Harters

              Your assumption is correct. I'm in the state of New Jersey.

            2. I've been getting excellent celery, crisp and firm, for $.99 per head consistently this past winter and spring.

              1 Reply