Broccoli
Quick answer: Raw broccoli lasts 3-5 days in the fridge; cooked broccoli lasts 3-4 days refrigerated. Blanched broccoli keeps 8-12 months in the freezer, raw broccoli is not recommended for freezing.
Broccoli is one of those vegetables that looks fine on Monday and turns into a yellow, sulfur-smelling situation by Thursday. The good news: a little airflow in the crisper drawer and knowing when to blanch and freeze it can stretch that window considerably. Here's exactly how long it lasts and how to get the most out of it.
Pantry
Refrigerator
Freezer
How to store broccoli
Keep raw broccoli unwashed in the crisper drawer, loosely wrapped or in a perforated bag, it needs humidity but also airflow, so don't seal it airtight. Cut broccoli dries out faster, so use it sooner. Cooked broccoli goes straight into an airtight container once it's cooled down, then into the fridge.
How to spot spoilage
Yellowing florets or a shift from deep green to dull olive are the first flags. Slimy, mushy, or limp texture means it's done. Mold, dark soft spots, or a sulfur-like smell are hard stops, toss it.
How to revive them
If it's wilted but still smells fine, trim the stem end and stand the stalks in cold water in the fridge for a bit. It won't come back to peak crunch, but it'll crisp up enough to be usable. Slightly limp florets are also perfectly at home in a soup or stir-fry where texture matters less.
Use it up before it spoils
- Blanch and freeze it in a single layer before it hits day 4.
- Roast the florets at high heat, slightly soft broccoli caramelizes beautifully.
- Blend it into a broccoli cheddar soup where no one will notice the texture.
- Toss it into a stir-fry with whatever protein you have on hand.
- Blitz it with pasta water and parmesan for a fast weeknight sauce.
Recipes to try
loveandlemons.com
Broccoli Cheddar Soup
The perfect place to send broccoli that's a day or two past its prime, it all gets blended anyway.
acouplecooks.com
Best Roasted Broccoli
High heat turns even slightly soft florets into crispy, caramelized edges worth eating straight off the pan.
spendwithpennies.com
Easy Broccoli Salad
A solid use for a fresh head before it starts to turn, creamy dressing, crunch, done.
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Best ways to preserve
- freeze
- dehydrate
- ferment
- pickle
Nutrition at a glance
Per 91 g (1 cup florets)
| Calories | 31 |
|---|---|
| Protein | 2.6 g |
| Carbohydrates | 6 g |
| Fiber | 2.4 g |
| Sugar | 1.5 g |
| Fat | 0.3 g |
| Saturated fat | 0.1 g |
| Sodium | 30 mg |
Source: USDA FoodData Central. Broccoli, raw (SR Legacy)
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Frequently asked questions
Can you freeze broccoli?
Yes, but blanch it first. Frozen raw broccoli turns mushy and unpleasant; blanched broccoli holds up well and lasts 8-12 months in the freezer. Blanch florets for 2-3 minutes, cool in ice water, dry thoroughly, then freeze in a single layer before bagging.
Does broccoli need to be refrigerated?
Yes. Broccoli left at room temperature deteriorates quickly and is not recommended for pantry storage. Keep it in the crisper drawer at 40u00b0F / 4u00b0C or below for 3-5 days.
How long does broccoli last after cutting?
Cut broccoli florets last up to 3-5 days in the fridge, but the exposed cut surfaces dry out and deteriorate faster than a whole head, so aim to use them sooner rather than later.
How can you tell if broccoli has gone bad?
Yellow or dull olive-colored florets, a slimy or mushy texture, visible mold, or a sulfur-like smell all mean it's time to toss it. Deep green color and firm stems are signs it's still good.
How long does cooked broccoli last in the fridge?
Cooked broccoli lasts 3-4 days in the fridge when stored in an airtight container at 40u00b0F / 4u00b0C or below. Cool it down quickly before refrigerating and discard it if it smells off or develops a slimy texture.