We are back again with the Veg Box Storage Tips series and today we are going to discuss how to store and keep broccoli tasting fresh for longer periods of time.
We have found that if Broccoli is stored correctly – fresh or cooked – it can last in the fridge for about 3-5 days. We have also found that once Broccoli has been chopped and removed from it’s stem – it usually goes off in about 2-3 days, so best to keep broccoli on its stem if you know you will eat it in the next few days. Here is the absolute truth folks. Broccoli just doesn’t stay fresh for that long so we highly recommend to eat up as soon as you harvest it!
1. Wrap in Paper towel – Keeping Broccoli fresh for 3-5 days
Loosely wrap your broccoli in a damp paper towel and place it in a plastic bag in your fridge. This is an environment that is moist and healthy for your broccoli to breathe in. As we always say, make sure you don’t wash your broccoli before doing this method, as too much moisture may cause mold to grow. Just make sure you do a thorough wash before you use it again.
2. Make your broccoli into a bouquet of flowers - 3-5 days
Let’s imagine your broccoli is a bouquet of flowers, by putting it into a jar of water. Fill a jar or glass with a few inches of water and place the broccoli in the water, stem down submerging the ends fully. The head should peek out like a beautiful bouquet of flowers. Store this in the fridge and change the water every day. This should keep between 3-5 days.
3. Freeze em! Frozen broccoli can store for up to 12 months
· Cut the broccoli into little florets
· Blanch the florets in boiling water with some salt for about 3-5 minutes – the salt helps kill any insects and keeps the broccoli fresh for longer during storage.
· Transfer into an ice bath and let the florets cool off for another 5 minutes
· Thoroughly drain and dry the florets with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture.
· Store the broccoli florets in either an air tight container or in sealable plastic bag
Read more about how to store vegetables for longer periods of time in our blog series, Veg Bog Storage tips. Our last entry was on how to store cauliflower and keep it fresh longer. Enjoy!