How to store bok choy in the fridge, freeze it, and keep it fresh
Quick answer
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Fridge
Keeps for 2-3 days
Store bok choy in a clean refrigerator at 40°F (4°C) or below, and freeze it if you won't cook it within 2 to 3 days.
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Freezer
Keeps for 10-12 months
Blanch or partially cook bok choy in boiling water or a microwave oven, chill it rapidly, and then freeze it.
Bok choy keeps only 2 to 3 days in the refrigerator at 40°F (4°C) or below, counted from the day you buy it. Blanch it before freezing, and it lasts 10 to 12 months in the freezer. Throw out bok choy that looks rotten, and cut away bruised or damaged areas before you cook it.
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Bok choy lasts 2 to 3 days in the refrigerator and 10 to 12 months in the freezer, according to USDA FoodKeeper. Both times count from the day you buy it, so cook it soon or freeze it.
How to store bok choy
The best way to store bok choy is in a clean refrigerator at 40°F (4°C) or below, where it keeps 2 to 3 days. That’s the FDA’s advice for perishable fresh vegetables, and the FDA also says to refrigerate all produce bought pre-cut or packaged.
Keeping bok choy fresh starts with what you buy. Choose bok choy that isn’t bruised or damaged, and pick pre-cut or bagged bok choy only if it’s refrigerated or surrounded by ice.
How long does bok choy last in the fridge?
Bok choy lasts 2 to 3 days in the fridge from the day you buy it. If you won’t cook it in that time, blanch it and freeze it instead.
Does bok choy need to be refrigerated?
Yes, bok choy needs the refrigerator. USDA FoodKeeper gives it storage times for the fridge and freezer only, and the FDA advises refrigerating perishable fresh vegetables.
Can you freeze bok choy?
Yes, bok choy keeps 10 to 12 months in the freezer from the day you buy it. Blanch it first, because the USDA says most vegetables that freeze well need brief, partial cooking to prevent deterioration.
How to freeze bok choy
Blanch bok choy and chill it rapidly before you freeze it, as the USDA’s guide to freezing and food safety describes for most vegetables.
- Rinse the bok choy under plain running water, then dry it with a clean cloth or paper towel.
- Blanch or partially cook it in boiling water or in a microwave oven.
- Chill it rapidly, then put it in the freezer.
How to tell if bok choy is bad
Throw out bok choy that looks rotten. If only part of it is bruised or damaged, cut those areas away before you prepare or eat it.
How to wash bok choy
Wash bok choy under plain running water before you cut or eat it, rubbing it gently. Then dry it with a clean cloth or paper towel to reduce bacteria further, as the FDA’s tips for cleaning fruits and vegetables advise.
Wash it before you cut it, so dirt and bacteria aren’t carried from the surface as you cut. Skip soap, detergent, and produce wash, since produce is porous and can absorb them.
Washing reduces bacteria but doesn’t eliminate them, as the FDA’s page on selecting and serving produce safely explains.
Frequently asked questions
Can you freeze bok choy raw?
Blanch bok choy before freezing rather than freezing it raw. The USDA says most vegetables that freeze well need brief, partial cooking first to prevent deterioration.
How long does frozen bok choy last?
Frozen bok choy keeps 10 to 12 months from the day you bought it, according to USDA FoodKeeper.
How do you keep bok choy fresh?
Keep bok choy in a clean refrigerator at 40°F (4°C) or below and cook it within 2 to 3 days. For longer storage, blanch it and freeze it for 10 to 12 months.
Do you need soap to wash bok choy?
No, there's no need for soap or produce wash on bok choy. Rub it gently under plain running water instead, since produce is porous and can absorb soap.
What should you look for when buying bok choy?
Choose bok choy that isn't bruised or damaged. If it's pre-cut or bagged, pick only packages kept refrigerated or surrounded by ice.
