Broccoli is one of the most popular and well-known vegetables in the world. It's both tasty and nutritious, thanks to its high nutrient content. Broccoli is a popular vegetable because of its vitamin content and other health benefits, including many studies naming it as a cancer fighter. You can eat it raw, lightly steamed, or roasted, to name a few options. It's a great food to include in your regular diet not only because of these health benefits but also because of its versatility. Broccoli can be used as a main or secondary ingredient in almost any dish.

One disadvantage of broccoli is that it is easily and quickly spoiled. Even if it's only a few dollars, you can't afford to waste a whole bunch of this nutritious vegetable. It's still a food with a lot of vitamins and minerals in it. As a result, you're left with the question of how long does broccoli lasts and how to keep it fresh for longer?

How long does broccoli last?

If you plan to use fresh broccoli soon after purchasing it, store it in your pantry or kitchen cabinet. It will, however, most likely turn yellow in two to three days.

If you want to use raw broccoli in smoothies, salads, or dips, it may be more convenient to purchase the vegetable the day before and store it in the pantry. Otherwise, it's much better to put it in the fridge to prevent it from spoiling.

Depending on its condition prior to purchase, a whole broccoli head can be kept in the fridge for 7 to 10 days. This period will be reduced to three to five days if the florets are cut.

If you cook broccoli and don't use it all right away, you can keep it in the fridge for 2 to 3 days. It should never be left at room temperature for more than an hour or two, as harmful bacteria can grow there.

How long broccoli stays fresh is determined by how it is stored

1. Pantry

If you're storing broccoli on a shelf, avoid exposing it to too much moisture because it will quickly spoil. As a result, don't wash broccoli when you buy it; instead, rinse it under cold water right before cooking.

Broccoli can become limply after a day or two in the pantry. Shorten the stalk and place it in a jar with water if this is the case. The vegetables will rehydrate this way, and you will be able to save them for another day.

Yellow broccoli is not spoiled, but it does have a bitter flavor. If only the tips of the florets have begun to turn yellow, cut them off and use the rest before the entire head turns yellow.

1. Refrigerator

When it's fresh, this is undoubtedly the best place to put it.

Instead of using a sealed container or plastic bag, wrap fresh broccoli loosely in a damp paper towel for this. This is due to the fact that fresh broccoli requires good air circulation to stay fresh.

Make sure there isn't too much moisture around the broccoli, though. As a result, there is no need to wash the vegetable before storing it in the refrigerator, as this will hasten the rotting process. It should, however, only be washed when you are ready to use it to ensure that it is completely clean.

It will keep for about 4-5 days if properly stored.

1. Freezer

To do so, first, wash the broccoli and cut it into florets, then slice off the stalks. Then, for about 4 minutes, steam them before chilling them in ice water. Finally, pat them dry and store them in airtight containers.

Broccoli that has been prepared and frozen in this manner can be added directly to a dish while it is cooking. However, resist the urge to thaw it and eat it raw. This is because the freezing process destroys the cell structure of the vegetable, making it mushy once thawed. Broccoli will keep for about a year in the freezer if stored properly.

 Conclusion

Broccoli is considered a superfood by many because of its high nutrient content. Unfortunately, it is humidity-sensitive and spoils quickly. To keep your vegetables fresh and healthy for eating, store them in the refrigerator or freeze leftovers.