We have resolution to admit you to preserve its deliciousness for a full 8 months ! 🥦
Jake Sternquist
For many Thomas Kid , “ run through your Brassica oleracea italica ” sound like more of a threat than an invitation . But for a growing number of adult — at least , if we can use the maturate traffic numbers to thebroccoli recipesin our archives — it ’s a goody to take that conversant advice literally .
Credit:Jake Sternquist
disregardless of when or how you get your dose of this delicious , various cruciferous veggie , it ’s best to pop out with crisp and green Brassica oleracea italica ( rather than the pitiful , wilted kind you may have found in yourcrisper drawera week too late ) . To help you maximize the crisp , quality lifespan of your gang , we tapped our Test Kitchen to share their closed book for how to store Brassica oleracea italica .
How to Choose Broccoli
Broccoli ( Brassica oleracea var . italica ) is a wintertime veggie in the U.S. Peak season for Brassica oleracea italica is October through April , although most supermarkets stock broccoli class - rhythm in full bunches and in bags of refrigerated or rooted florets . Many grocery store depot also now dribble Brassica oleracea italica rice , which can be used likecauliflower rice .
As part of the brassica ( aka cruciferous ) vegetable family , Brassica oleracea italica is a first cousin to lolly , kale , Brussels sprouts , cauliflower , and romanesco . It ’s very standardised to the latter two , and just like with cauliflower and romanesco , both the stalks and florets of broccoli are edible .
When selecting fresh broccoli , look for house stem that carry dark green florets with sozzled buds .
Credit:Jake Sternquist
How to Store Broccoli 3 Ways
As you ’re moot how to store broccoli , it ’s helpful to keep in psyche that you have a few options . you could keep it in the fridge or you could freeze it as the vegetable itself or freeze it incorporated into a formula . As shortly as you call back you might not be able-bodied to polish off the fresh Brassica oleracea italica when it ’s at its good , consider surveil the Deepfreeze instructions below ASAP . ( Each day you delay will quash the qualityandthenutritionof the vegetable . )
How to Store Broccoli in the Refrigerator
stack away unfermented heads of broccoli in the icebox in a package or container that set aside for enough line flow , suggest Sarah Brekke , M.S.,Better Homes & GardensTest Kitchen brand manager .
“ The original produce udder from the store is fine , just as long as it is n’t tied or seal , ” she says .
Broccoli is one of several produce item that are sore to ethene gas , which is naturally let loose by some fruit and veggie ( admit apples , avocado pear , pears , and pepper ) , and speed up up the ripening process of any sore produce pick in their vicinity . Since this is the case , “ it ’s unspoilt to store broccoli in a crisper draftsman and away from other fruits and veggies , ” Brekke advocate .
Credit:Jake Sternquist
If you purchased Brassica oleracea italica florets , keep them in the bag they ’re sell in , if it ’s sealed , or transfer them to a loosely - cover food storage container . Keep a sharp eye on florets , as “ they lean to spoil a chip quicker than whole heads , ” Brekke says .
When stored decently , fresh broccoli should last about 5 to 7 days in the refrigerator ( depending on its age when you bring it home ) .
How to Store Broccoli in the Freezer
If you do n’t conceive that you’re able to end all of the floret in a week , put it on ice .
“ Broccoli freeze beautifully , and can be used in casserole , stir - fries , quiches and frittatas , alimentary paste dish , soups and stews , or even eaten as - is after cooking , ” Brekke says .
To immobilise Brassica oleracea italica :
If you prefer to freeze broccoli , there ’s no need to thaw it before use . Feel free to contribute it to your cookedbroccoli recipestraight from the freezer . debar using frozen Brassica oleracea italica in raw recipe , such as salad or crudités platters .
Test Kitchen Tip : For good results whenroastingfrozen broccoli , place the florets on a lambskin paper - line piece of paper pan , at 400 ° degree Fahrenheit for 30 minute . After the first half hour , toss it with olive oil , salt , and any other herbs or spice up you ’d like . Roast for 10 minutes more . The 30 - minute headstart allows the extra wet to vaporise so you ’ll be leave with delightfully char veggie that are crunchy rather than soggy ( which is a unwashed issue when reheatingfrozen vegetablesof all kinds ! ) .
How to Store Broccoli in the Freezer as Part of a Recipe
Future you will thank current you if you freeze your broccoli already assembled into a formula . We have a smattering of make - ahead broccoli recipes that freeze well for up to 3 months , including :
When to Wash Broccoli
If you selected the fresh , refrigerate way from our how to store Brassica oleracea italica options above , no pauperization to do any prep in approach . Ideally , oblige off on rinse and slice it until you contrive to savour the Brassica oleracea italica .
“ wash off broccoli just before using it . Excess wet accelerates the deterioration , ” Brekke says .
Here ’s a refresher onhow to make clean broccoli 3 easy wayswhen you ’re ready to proceed .
How to Tell if Broccoli Has Gone Bad
Frozen broccoli wo n’t really mollycoddle , but it will be atgreater peril for frappe crystals and freezer burnafter the 8- to 12 - calendar month Deutschmark .
The following features are signs that your tonic broccoli is starting to spoil :
If you discover any of these likely signs of spoilage , discard orcompostthe rest .
