What should be discarded from the celery before washing?

The best choice is to discard the last 2 inches of the celery before washing. This part of the celery is typically where the vegetable has been cut and may not be as fresh or tender as the rest of the stalk. By removing this section, you ensure that what you wash and consume is the most high-quality part of the celery, which enhances both the texture and flavor in your dishes.

The outer leaves, while they can be a bit wilted, are still edible and can add flavor. The core of the celery is part of the vegetable that provides crunch and taste, while the entire root is not commonly consumed in most preparations and would only be removed if you are prepping the vegetable for a specific dish. Discarding just the last 2 inches effectively balances waste reduction with ensuring you have the best possible ingredient for your culinary use.