How Long Does Broccoli Last In the Fridge?
Keep your greens fresh with expert tips.
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By Layla Khoury-Hanold for Food Network Kitchen
Layla Khoury-Hanold is a contributor at Food Network.
A versatile vegetable, broccoli can be roasted, steamed, shredded into slaw and so much more. But what’s the best way to store broccoli, and how long does it last in the fridge? We consulted Toby Amidor, MS, RD, CDN, FAND, award-winning nutrition expert and Wall Street Journal bestselling author of The Family Immunity Cookbook.
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How to Buy Broccoli
Broccoli can be sold in heads with the stem on, as crowns with or without part of the stem intact, or as bagged florets. No matter what size and shape your broccoli tastes, Amidor recommends using your eyes and nose to take three things into account when buying broccoli:
Color: Fresh broccoli is bright green, with florets that range from deep emerald to bluish-green. Avoid broccoli with signs of discoloration, including yellow or brown spots, or mold.
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Smell: Choose odorless broccoli. Although broccoli has a mild smell when held close to the nose, broccoli that isn’t fresh will have a discernably funky aroma.
Appearance: Fresh broccoli is moist with tight florets and a smooth stem. If the florets appear wilted or the stem looks cracked or dry, it’s a sign they’ve lost moisture and the broccoli isn’t fresh.
How to Store Broccoli
Fresh and cooked broccoli should be stored in the refrigerator.
How to Store Fresh Broccoli
Store fresh broccoli inside a loosely closed or perforated plastic bag in your refrigerator’s crisper drawer. “Don’t fully seal the bag,” Amidor says, “and do not wash broccoli before storing it as it can lead to mold growth if you do.” It’s also best to wait to cut the broccoli until just before you’re ready to use it.
How to Store Cooked Broccoli
Cooked broccoli should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Be sure to label the container with the date and contents.
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How Long Does Broccoli Last In the Fridge?
Fresh broccoli lasts between 3 to 5 days in the fridge when properly stored. “For cut-up broccoli, I would say no more than 4 days for optimal use,” Amidor says. “But it’s best to cut from the whole head right before cooking or eating to maintain nutrients.”
How Long Does Cooked Broccoli Last In the Fridge?
Cooked broccoli lasts for up to 4 days in the fridge when properly stored.
Can You Freeze Broccoli?
Yes, you can freeze broccoli. “Cooked broccoli can be frozen for up to 2 months," Amidor says. Raw broccoli doesn't freeze well, however, so she suggests blanching it before freezing. To blanch broccoli, add cut pieces to boiling water, cook for 30 to 60 seconds, and then plunge them into an ice bath to stop the cooking and preserve color. Arrange broccoli in a single layer on a sheet pan to cool, and put the entire pan in the freezer. When the broccoli pieces are frozen solid, transfer them to a labeled, freezer-safe bag or container. They'll stay fresh for up to 2 months.
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How to Tell If Broccoli Is Bad
You can tell if broccoli is bad if there are any changes in its appearance, smell or texture.
Appearance: Fresh broccoli should be uniformly bright green. If there are yellow or brown spots, it’s a sign that it’s past its prime. If you see any mold, such as white or black fuzzy patches, it's definitely spoiled.
Smell: If the broccoli has a strong odor or an off smell, throw it out.
Texture: Broccoli should have tight florets and a firm stem. If the florets are wilted, or the stem displays cracks or dryness, then it’s a sign they've lost too much moisture and the broccoli is going bad.
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