Yes, you can freeze broccoli by following some simple methods. It is a great idea to store broccoli for a longer time. Usually, in mid-summer, fresh broccoli comes to its peak. But if you freeze it, you can have this green vegetable for the whole year. Isn’t it awesome?
Today, we will learn about these few things:
- Shelf Life of Broccoli
- How to freeze broccoli
- Can I freeze raw broccoli?
- Can you freeze cooked broccoli?
- Some Common Broccoli Recipes
Shelf Life of Broccoli
| Types | On the Counter | Refrigerator | Freezer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fresh Broccoli | 1-2 days | 3-5 days | 1 year |
| Cooked Broccoli | 1-2 hours | 2-3 days | 10 to 12 months |
My broccoli went bad two years ago because of scorching weather. Then I searched online and found these ways of freezing broccoli. I found out that freezing broccoli gains a much better texture and flavor than store-bought raw ones.
How to Freeze Broccoli
Discover how to freeze broccoli, learn simple methods of freezing broccoli for the long term, and know-how to freeze cooked broccoli with tips. Also, try these awesome broccoli recipes today.
Broccoli is a green, healthy vegetable with lots of nutritional benefits. Use parchment paper, lay broccoli on a tray or plate, and place it in the freezer for 1-2 hours. Then bring it out and transfer it into a freezer bag or plastic container. The broccoli will stay fresh and freezer burn-free for about 6-8 months.
You may also like: Do Sweet Potatoes Go Bad
Read and follow these steps-
1. Washing and Trimming
The first step is to wash and trim your broccoli. Cut the crowns of broccoli into uniform size florets and then immerse the florets in cold water or ice water. Agitating them to remove dirt and debris. Then after draining, freeze the broccoli uniform pieces with florets.
2. Blanching and Steaming
To keep the broccoli bright green and crisp-tender after thawing, I recommend cooking them before freezing. Known methods are-
Blanching: For blanching, we need one bowl of ice water and one pot of salted water.
- Bring the salted water to boil
- Add the broccoli pieces to the water
- Cook about 2-3 minutes until it becomes bright green and crisp-tender
- Transfer it to the iced water with a spoon
- After it cools down completely, spread them on a baking sheet and dry up with a paper towel and
- Freeze broccoli.
- Blanch broccoli remains typically fresh for 3-6 months.
Notable Points : Work in batches. Not cook it for more than 3-5 minutes.
Steaming: We need a big pot with a steamer basket for steaming.
- Fill a few inches of the pot with water
- Insert the steamer basket
- Heat it using medium-high heat
- Put the trimmed broccoli inside
- Use a tight lid to cover the steam
- Cook for 5-6 minutes until it becomes green and tender
- Transfer the broccoli to the bowl of ice water
- Dry them with a paper towel placed on a baking sheet or tray, and then freeze them.
3. Proper Storage and Freezing
After cooking and drying, we can go for freezing. We can store the broccoli for around 6- 8 months, and it is safe for health to consume.
Can I Freeze Raw Broccoli?
Yes, you can freeze broccoli in raw form. It will generally last for 3-5 days in the refrigerator and 4-6 months in the freezer. But it is better to wash and blanch the broccoli before freezing to extend its shelf life.
Mashed Broccoli
Let’s conclude the article with some famous Mashed Broccoli recipes. I bet you will love them to try.
- Garlic Mashed Broccoli
- Creamy Mashed Broccoli
- Herby mashed broccoli
Can You Freeze Cooked Broccoli?
Yes, you can freeze cooked broccoli for 2-3 days in the refrigerator or extend the cooked broccoli’s shelf life by keeping it in the freezer.
In order to freeze cooked Broccoli, use-
- Airtight containers
- Heavy-duty freezer bags
- Aluminum foil
- Freezer wrap
You may also like: How To Freeze Cabbage
Let’s Check Out Some common Broccoli Recipes!
- Broccoli Pesto & Pancetta Pasta
- Spicy Mushroom & Broccoli Noodles
- Tandori Broccoli
- Broccoli Stir Fry
Related Queries
How long does cooked broccoli last in the freezer?
If cooked broccoli is stored correctly, it will typically last for 10-12 months in the freezer.
How long does cooked broccoli last after being frozen and thawed?
Frozen cooked broccoli, after being thawed, can last for 3-4 days more in the refrigerator. But if it is thawed quickly using either cold water or microwave, you should consume it immediately.
How long can cooked broccoli be left at room temperature?
Usually, cooked broccoli lasts around 2-3 hours if left out at room temperature.
How to tell if cooked broccoli is bad?
Look at the appearance and color and take in the smell; if it is weird, the broccoli becomes bad, and it is better not to taste it.
Lorena Davalos joined our team during the Lockdown of worldwide pandemic. She is a nutrition expert and has a degree in this subject. Lorena surely knows her onion! She was looking for a platform where she could blend her expertise with commonly asked questions.