Broccoli lasts 3 to 5 days in the fridge, 10 to 12 months frozen
Quick answer
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Fridge
Keeps for 3-5 days
Keep broccoli in a clean refrigerator at 40°F (4°C) or below, and wash it under running water right before you prepare it.
Watch out Cut away damaged or bruised areas before you cook it, and throw away broccoli that looks rotten.
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Freezer
Keeps for 10-12 months
Blanch the broccoli in boiling water or in a microwave oven, chill it rapidly, then freeze it.
Watch out Don't freeze it raw, because vegetables need brief, partial cooking first to prevent deterioration.
Broccoli lasts 3 to 5 days in the fridge, according to USDA FoodKeeper. You can freeze it for 10 to 12 months if you blanch it first. Keep the fridge at 40°F (4°C) or below, and throw away broccoli that looks rotten.
Buying broccoli this week?
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Broccoli lasts 3 to 5 days in the fridge, and you can freeze it for 10 to 12 months. Those times come from USDA FoodKeeper, which counts them from the date of purchase.
The same times apply to broccoli raab, also called rapini. This guide covers how to store broccoli, how to freeze it, and what to do with broccoli that looks rotten.
How to store broccoli
Store broccoli in the fridge, where it keeps 3 to 5 days. Cook it or freeze it before that time runs out.
How to store broccoli in the fridge
Keep broccoli in a clean refrigerator at 40°F (4°C) or below. That’s the FDA’s advice for perishable fresh produce. Refrigerate pre-cut or packaged broccoli as well.
Wrap the head loosely in a damp paper towel and put it in the produce drawer. Wash it under running water right before you prepare it.
Can you keep broccoli on the counter?
FoodKeeper doesn’t list a counter time for broccoli, so keep it in the fridge. Its only listed times are for the fridge and the freezer.
Can you freeze broccoli?
Yes. You can freeze broccoli for 10 to 12 months, as long as you blanch it first. Blanching means cooking it briefly and partially first.
Can you freeze raw broccoli?
Not without blanching it first. The USDA says most vegetables that freeze well are low acid and need brief, partial cooking before freezing to prevent deterioration. Blanch the florets in boiling water or in a microwave oven, then chill them rapidly before freezing.
How to freeze broccoli
Blanch the florets, chill them rapidly, then freeze them. FoodKeeper gives frozen broccoli 10 to 12 months.
- Choose broccoli that isn’t bruised or damaged, and wash it under plain running water.
- Cut it into florets.
- Blanch the florets in boiling water or in a microwave oven.
- Chill them rapidly.
- Pat them dry and freeze them in sealed bags.
How long does broccoli last in the fridge?
Broccoli lasts 3 to 5 days in the fridge, counted from the day you buy it. In the freezer it lasts 10 to 12 months, counted the same way.
| Where | How long it lasts |
|---|---|
| Fridge | 3 to 5 days |
| Freezer | 10 to 12 months |
How to tell if broccoli is bad
Throw away broccoli that looks rotten. Cut away damaged or bruised areas before you cook or eat the rest, as the FDA advises for all fresh produce.
Go by the calendar too. FoodKeeper counts fridge time from the date of purchase, so plan to cook broccoli within 3 to 5 days of buying it.
What to look for when you buy broccoli
Choose broccoli that isn’t bruised or damaged. For pre-cut or packaged broccoli, choose only items that are refrigerated or surrounded by ice.
Should you wash broccoli?
Yes. Wash broccoli thoroughly under running water before you prepare or eat it.
Rub the head gently under plain running water. You don’t need soap, detergent, or a produce wash, and the FDA doesn’t recommend them, because produce is porous and can absorb them.
Dry the broccoli with a clean cloth or paper towel to reduce bacteria further. Washing reduces bacteria but doesn’t eliminate them.
Frequently asked questions
How long does frozen broccoli last?
Frozen broccoli keeps for 10 to 12 months, according to USDA FoodKeeper. That time is counted from the date of purchase.
Do the same times apply to broccoli raab?
Yes. FoodKeeper lists broccoli and broccoli raab (rapini) together, with 3 to 5 days in the fridge and 10 to 12 months in the freezer.
What temperature should the fridge be for broccoli?
Keep the fridge at 40°F (4°C) or below. That's the FDA's advice for perishable fresh produce.
Can you blanch broccoli in the microwave?
Yes. The USDA says to blanch or partially cook vegetables in boiling water or in a microwave oven, then chill them rapidly before freezing.
Should you wash broccoli with soap?
No. Soap, detergent, and commercial produce wash aren't recommended, because produce is porous and can absorb them. Plain running water is all you need.
Do you need to refrigerate packaged broccoli?
Yes. The FDA says to refrigerate all produce that you buy pre-cut or packaged.
