Here's How To Store Broccoli In Your Fridge

Whether you love it or despise it, nothing ruins a fresh head of broccoli faster than improper storage. If you want yours to last as long as possible before you get around to cooking it, then take care to place the vegetable in the right section of your fridge. For many, that's the crisper drawer, but don't go throwing the broccoli in there without a second thought.

Crisper drawers were designed to control humidity and airflow. The best way to prevent premature spoilage of any produce inside is to consider the moisture needs of the vegetables and take advantage of the vents on the front of the drawers. Items that require a high level of humidity, like broccoli and other leafy greens, are best kept with the vents closed. Be sure to wrap them in a damp paper towel and don't store them with fruits. Apples, peaches, and other fruits with pits tend to give off ethylene gas — just like broccoli. Being too close to an excessive amount of ethylene gas will cause your veggie to go bad more quickly, though it can help you avocados ripen a bit faster.

If your fridge only has one crisper drawer or you don't have room to store the broccoli in there, you could try the bouquet of flowers method, similar to how you may wish to store asparagus. You'll need a jar or glass with approximately half an inch of cold water. Add the broccoli, stem down, into your chosen container. Use plastic wrap or place a storage bag over the florets to keep them protected and prevent dehydration. It's best to keep your broccoli bouquet in the back of the fridge where it's coldest. If you remember to replace the water daily, your bouquet should keep for about a week.

And if you haven't used up all your broccoli within seven days, there is another option: freezing. This method requires a little more preparation and may change the broccoli's texture, but it can seriously extend the lifespan of your veg. The florets should be blanched in boiling water for one to two minutes, then immediately cooled in a bath of ice. Dry the florets thoroughly, then place the broccoli on a sheet pan and freeze. When the florets are frozen, you can put them in a freezer-safe container. You'll have anywhere from six months to a year to use up your broccoli.