Why is it that your broccoli goes bad within three days?
Maybe you’ve sealed your raw broccoli in a plastic tub, thinking that’s the safest option.
Today, we’re busting all the broccoli storage myths and telling you exactly how to know if your broccoli is safe to eat.
First: why eat broccoli?
Broccoli is delicious, plus it’s loaded with health benefits. We’re talking about vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and active compounds that may help prevent cancer.
What’s the deal with broccoli?
With the proper storage methods (think ventilation and a refrigerator), your broccoli can last up to seven days. For longer storage, look to the freezer. If you’re worried your broccoli is off, the telltale signs are mold, slime, and yellow discoloration.
Ways To Spot A Broccoli That Has Gone Bad
Here are the surefire signs that your broccoli has started to go bad and it’s ready to go in the trash:
- Yellow discoloring on the heads
- Soft, slimy stems
- Moldy spots on the head
- Bitter smell
How To Store Broccoli
When it comes to broccoli, the refrigerator is your best bet.
But you probably knew that already.
You might not have heard of this tip: wrap your broccoli loosely in a damp paper towel instead of leaving it in the plastic bag it comes in or putting it in a sealed container.
Why? Because broccoli needs air circulation to stay fresh.
However, make sure your paper towel is only damp, not drenched, as too much moisture will cause the broccoli to prematurely grow mold. That’s also the reason why you shouldn’t wash your broccoli before putting it in the refrigerator – save that until when you need to use it.
Once you’ve cooked your broccoli, transfer it to an airtight container and replace it in the refrigerator.
Here’s the best part: you can also freeze broccoli for extended storage. Here are the steps:
- Wash your broccoli.
- Cut your broccoli into florets and slice off the stalks.
- Steam or blanche your broccoli for 4 minutes.
- Pour the pan over a colander and run cold water over the broccoli until completely cooled.
- Pat your broccoli dry, then leave to air-cool for 30 minutes.
- Transfer your broccoli to freezer bags, squeeze all the air out, then put the bag in the freezer.
The great thing about frozen broccoli florets is that they can be added straight into the pan whilst cooking. Don’t bother thawing them beforehand – freezing destroys broccoli’s cell structure, so they’ll be mushy if you eat them raw.
You can also freeze cooked broccoli or dishes with broccoli in them. Just use an airtight container and pop it in the freezer.
How Long Broccoli Lasts
You can leave broccoli on your counter, but we wouldn’t recommend it. On the counter, your broccoli will last for just two days before it turns yellow and starts going bad.
Expect raw broccoli in the refrigerator to last 4-7 days, depending on how fresh it was when you bought it, the storage methods at the grocery store, and how well your storage environment has been.
Cooked broccoli will last in the fridge for 3-5 days.
Want more than seven days’ storage time?
Look to the freezer.
Blanched broccoli that you’ve stored in the freezer will last for a mind-boggling entire year! Follow our instructions above to make sure it keeps well, though.
So, Does Broccoli Go Bad?
You’ve definitely figured by now that broccoli does indeed go bad.
However, the good news is that it’s pretty easy to spot broccoli that’s not good anymore (look for slimy stems and yellow heads).
The key takeaway?
Raw broccoli needs circulation in the refrigerator, while cooked broccoli should go in an airtight container. If you want longer storage times, the freezer’s your friend!
