How to store Brussels sprouts in the fridge and freezer
Quick answer
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Fridge
Keeps for 3-5 days
Store Brussels sprouts in a clean refrigerator at 40°F (4°C) or below, and freeze any you won't cook within 3 to 5 days.
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Freezer
Keeps for 10-12 months
Blanch or partially cook Brussels sprouts in boiling water or a microwave oven, chill them rapidly, and then freeze them.
Brussels sprouts keep 3 to 5 days in the refrigerator at 40°F (4°C) or below, counted from the day you buy them. Blanch them before freezing, and they last 10 to 12 months in the freezer. Wash them under plain running water before you cook them, without soap or produce wash.
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Brussels sprouts last 3 to 5 days in the refrigerator and 10 to 12 months in the freezer, according to USDA FoodKeeper. Both times count from the day you buy them, so freeze any sprouts you won’t cook within 3 to 5 days.
How to store Brussels sprouts
Store Brussels sprouts in a clean refrigerator at 40°F (4°C) or below, where they keep 3 to 5 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.
At the store, pick sprouts that aren’t bruised or damaged. If you buy them bagged, choose only bags kept refrigerated or surrounded by ice.
How long do Brussels sprouts last in the fridge?
Brussels sprouts last 3 to 5 days in the fridge from the day you buy them. If you won’t cook them in that time, blanch them and freeze them instead.
Do Brussels sprouts need to be refrigerated?
Yes, Brussels sprouts need the refrigerator. USDA FoodKeeper gives them storage times for the fridge and freezer only, and the FDA advises refrigerating perishable fresh vegetables.
Can you freeze Brussels sprouts?
Yes, fresh Brussels sprouts keep 10 to 12 months in the freezer from the day you buy them. Blanch them first, because the USDA says most vegetables that freeze well need brief, partial cooking to prevent deterioration.
How to freeze Brussels sprouts
Blanch Brussels sprouts and chill them rapidly before you freeze them, as the USDA’s guide to freezing and food safety describes for most vegetables.
- Rinse the sprouts under plain running water, then dry them with a clean cloth or paper towel.
- Blanch or partially cook them in boiling water or in a microwave oven.
- Chill them rapidly, then put them in the freezer.
How to tell if Brussels sprouts are bad
Throw away Brussels sprouts that look rotten. If a sprout only has damaged or bruised areas, cut them away before you prepare or eat it.
How to wash Brussels sprouts
Wash Brussels sprouts under plain running water before you cook or eat them, rubbing them gently. Then dry them with a clean cloth or paper towel to reduce bacteria further, as the FDA’s tips for cleaning fruits and vegetables advise.
Wash them before you trim or cut them, too, so dirt and bacteria aren’t carried from the surface as you cut. Skip soap, detergent, and commercial 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 Brussels sprouts without blanching?
Blanch Brussels sprouts before freezing them. The USDA says most vegetables that freeze well need brief, partial cooking first to prevent deterioration.
What should you do with a bruised Brussels sprout?
Cut the bruised or damaged area away before you prepare or eat the sprout. Throw away Brussels sprouts that look rotten.
How long do frozen Brussels sprouts last?
Frozen Brussels sprouts keep 10 to 12 months from the day you bought them, according to USDA FoodKeeper.
Do you need soap to wash Brussels sprouts?
No, there's no need for soap or produce wash on Brussels sprouts. Rub them gently under plain running water instead, since produce is porous and can absorb soap.
What should you look for when buying Brussels sprouts?
Choose Brussels sprouts that aren't bruised or damaged. For bagged sprouts, pick only bags kept refrigerated or surrounded by ice.
