How To Store Broccoli So It Stays Fresher Longer – And Keeps A Crunch
Spoiler alert: Have some plastic wrap handy.
Nothing beats heading to a farmer's market or grocery store to stock up on fresh broccoli. Not only is broccoli delicious, it packs a nutritious punch and adds an element of green to any meal. But even if you’ve purchased broccoli directly from a farmer, it’s already been harvested and the clock has started ticking on its shelf life. In order to keep broccoli fresh for as long as possible and to maintain its rich green color and crispness, knowing how to store broccoli is essential.
We spoke to world certified master chef Fred Tiess to get all the details on best practices for storing broccoli, whether it’s whole or cut.
Meet Our Expert
Fred Tiess is a master instructor, College of Food Innovation and Technology, Johnson & Wales University, Charlotte Campus
The Best Way To Store Broccoli
Tiess says that part of keeping broccoli fresher, longer is knowing what to look for when selecting broccoli at a market or grocery store.
“Broccoli is certainly one of the best vegetables to include in a heart-healthy diet,” Tiess explains. “After all, it is a flower, and just like selecting flowers, there are some quality points to look for.”
How To Pick Fresh Broccoli From A Store
First, look for firm and densely packed buds that have a dark green to purple hue.
Next, look for a well-developed head, one that is heavier than it appears.
The last consideration is the length of time since it was harvested. "Check for this by examining the color or discoloration of the stem,” Tiess says.
Pro Tip
Browning of the stem or the cut surface is an indication that the broccoli is getting old.
Related: How To Cook Broccoli
How To Store Whole Broccoli
Store in crisper drawer: When it comes to storing broccoli whole, it’s best stored in the crisper drawer of your refrigerator. When stored properly, fresh broccoli can last weeks.
Keep temperature low: “Keep it as cold as possible without freezing it,” Tiess advises. “If broccoli is stored at around 33 degrees Fahrenheit, it should last several weeks.”
Wrap it right: Tiess also says in order to extend the life of the cruciferous vegetable, to loosely wrap plastic wrap over the broccoli to allow for proper respiration, and to protect it from the dry refrigerator air.
Give it space: “For the typical purchase of one or two heads of broccoli just wrap them loosely, and store in a crisper drawer with other vegetables, making sure that the drawer is not too packed,” he says.
Related: How To Steam Broccoli Without A Steamer
How To Store Cut Broccoli
Whether the broccoli you’ve purchased comes pre-cut or you have cut-up broccoli that needs to be stored, it’s possible to keep cut broccoli fresh in the refrigerator.
If you buy a large bag of broccoli from a warehouse store and would like to use it within a week, Tiess says the bag it is packed in is fine for storage.
“If you find that you’re not using the whole bag after several days, then remove the broccoli from the bag and refresh it in ice water for an hour in the fridge,” he explains. “Drain well and store the broccoli in a smaller vessel, lightly covered plastic wrap, or follow the steps to freeze the broccoli.”
If you are pre-preparing broccoli for a meal, place it in a bowl after you rinse it, and lightly cover it with some plastic wrap.
“One thing I typically do is to store the broccoli in the same vessel that I plan on steaming it in,” Tiess explains. “This is one of our favorite ways to enjoy the flavor of broccoli without losing any of the vitamins. Place your cut broccoli in a bowl stem down, buds up, and add a few ounces of water. Cover with a lid or plate and microwave the broccoli for several minutes, then finish it with some seasoning and a few drizzles of olive oil.”
Related: How To Clean Broccoli 2 Simple Ways
4 Ways To Tell If Broccoli Has Gone Bad
There is nothing worse than making a plan to use broccoli in a dinner recipe, only to realize that the broccoli has gone bad. If you’re unsure, Tiess offers three simple ways to determine if broccoli has gone bad:
If the broccoli buds appear limp and their color remains unchanged, a simple remedy is to revive them by soaking the broccoli in ice water.
If you notice yellowing buds or a hollow stem upon retrieving broccoli from the refrigerator, it's a sign that decay has set in.
If the broccoli emits a sulfuric odor reminiscent of rotten eggs, it's best to discard it.
How To Freeze Broccoli
If you’ve tired of chicken and broccoli ways, yet still have a crown or two of broccoli in the refrigerator, attempting to freeze it may come to mind. Tiess says it’s possible to freeze broccoli, but it takes a bit of prep work. Tiess recommends:
Cut the broccoli from the stem to the buds into spears.
Blanch them in boiling salted water for 2 minutes, or until bright green for 30 seconds.
Shock in ice water until cold.
Drain the water and shake off the excess water.
Arrange the broccoli on a parchment-lined sheet pan and freeze uncovered.
After the broccoli is frozen transfer them to a sealable bag or container and store it in the freezer until needed.
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