How to properly store broccoli

Broccoli is one of the healthiest varieties of cabbage, which contains a record amount of vitamins and minerals. However, storing this product fresh is extremely problematic. Even in the refrigerator, the vegetable turns into an inedible mass in just a few days. Let's look at how to properly store broccoli at home.

Storing fresh broccoli

On average, the vegetable remains fresh and edible for 3-4 days. Afterwards, the inflorescences darken, and the fork itself becomes soft and unattractive.

Reference! The shelf life depends on the environment: the shelf life at room temperature and in the refrigerator varies greatly.

Cabbage does not store well at room temperature, as it does not tolerate heat. In such conditions, the vegetable will begin to wither within 2-3 hours. If there is no space in the refrigerator, broccoli can be eaten or processed as quickly as possible.

It is easier to preserve the product in the refrigerator, but it is important to take into account some nuances. For example, it is not recommended to wash the inflorescences before storing them, as this reduces the shelf life to 2 days. How long is it stored? broccoli in a refrigerator? When raw, the vegetable remains fresh for 5–7 days.

How to preserve broccoli longer

Cabbage cannot stay fresh for long at room temperature, but there are a few simple ways to preserve the elasticity of the inflorescences in the refrigerator.

In a refrigerator

The easiest option is to simply put the cabbage in the vegetable section.A stable low temperature in the chamber will preserve the vegetable for 5–7 days.

Reference! It is extremely important to consider the “neighborhood” with other products. Thus, apples, tomatoes and carrots emit ethylene, which negatively affects the condition of broccoli.

To preserve cabbage longer, use one of the popular methods.

In a container with water

One of the simplest options is to make an impromptu bouquet of cabbage.

Partially submerged in water, the vegetable will remain fresh for up to 9 days:

1. Pour a little water into a container of suitable size (up to a 2 cm layer).
2. Broccoli is placed so that the inflorescences are on the outside.
3. The fork is covered with a thick plastic bag, in which several holes are made for ventilation.

In this state, the product is sent to the refrigerator. The water is changed every day.

In a paper towel

The second option involves wrapping the fork in a thick paper napkin or towel. This method is simpler, but the shelf life of the product is no more than 4 days:

1. The inflorescences are lightly sprayed with water from a spray bottle.
2. Each fork is wrapped in a paper towel so that it absorbs excess moisture.
3. It is important that the napkin does not fit tightly to the inflorescences, otherwise ventilation will be disrupted.

The broccoli wrapped in a napkin is placed in the refrigerator and checked periodically. The first to be consumed are those inflorescences that show signs of spoilage or wilting.

In a plastic bag

If you need to save broccoli for 3 days, but there is no time to constantly monitor the inflorescences, use this option:

1. Take bags made of thick cellophane and make several holes in them for ventilation.
2. Place one fork in each bag. Tie the packaging tightly and put it in the refrigerator.

This method is not suitable for long-term storage, since condensation gradually accumulates in the bag, despite the presence of holes. This leads to rapid rotting of the product.

How to keep broccoli fresh for the winter

The freezer is suitable for this. Frozen vegetables retain all the flavors and beneficial features up to 1 year.

Attention! Before planting, the inflorescences are blanched for 2-3 minutes in boiling water. This inhibits oxidative enzymes and destroys most pathogenic microorganisms.

To properly freeze broccoli, follow these instructions:

1. The heads are washed, the stems and leaves are removed, and the forks are divided into several parts.
2. The pieces are placed in a saline solution for 30 minutes and then washed under running water.
3. Place the broccoli in boiling water, cook for 3 minutes and drain in a colander. When the moisture has drained, the vegetable is immediately placed in a bowl of ice water for 5 minutes.
4. The inflorescences are again placed in a colander. When excess moisture has drained, dry on a paper or cloth towel.
5. Completely dry heads are laid out in a single layer on a large plate or tray and placed in the freezer. It is better to turn on the fast freezing mode, if there is one, so that the product sets instantly.

Frozen cabbage is portioned into bags or containers and sent to the freezer. Repeated freezing of broccoli is unacceptable.

In the cellar

A cool and dry cellar is suitable for storing broccoli for the winter.

Attention! The basement maintains a stable temperature (0...+10°C) and humidity 90–95%. At low humidity, the forks will begin to dry out, and at high humidity, they will bloom.

To successfully preserve cabbage until the next harvest, follow these rules:

1. All outer leaves are removed from the heads.
2. Vegetables are placed in wooden boxes, baskets or simply on shelves. It is important that they have holes for ventilation. The bottom must be lined with fabric.
3. The forks are laid out so that they do not touch each other. It is advisable to wrap each head with thick paper and change it as it gets wet.

When storing vegetables in the basement, they are periodically inspected and damaged ones are removed, since one rotten specimen will cause damage to the rest.

This is interesting:

The benefits and harms of broccoli for women.

The best varieties and hybrids of broccoli for Siberia and the features of their cultivation.

A step-by-step guide on how to grow broccoli at home correctly.

Conclusion

Broccoli is deservedly considered a capricious vegetable. Its inflorescences at room temperature begin to fade within 2-3 hours, and are stored in the refrigerator for no longer than a week. If you know a few tricks and store the heads correctly, they will stay fresh for up to 10 days in the refrigerator and for 8-12 months in the freezer or cool basement.