How long can you keep Brussel sprouts in the fridge? When it comes to keeping Brussel sprouts in the fridge for later use, the way you prepare them for keeping will determine how long your vegetables will last in the fridge.
Brussels sprouts are much more than just a holiday vegetable; they are a powerhouse in the kitchen. These hearty, leafy green vegetables can bring big flavors to a variety of dishes.
Whether they’re shaved raw and tossed up in a salad or roasted and tossed with parmesan for an easy side, Brussels sprouts, like any other leafy greens such as cabbage, spinach, watercress, mustard, and kale add delicious flavor to any dish.
Keep reading to find the answers to all your sprout-related questions, including how to store Brussels sprouts and how to know when they go bad, so you can feel confident when cooking with this tasty cruciferous vegetable.
Also read: how-long-is-uncooked-cabbage-good-for-in-the-fridge?
How do you keep Brussel sprouts stored in the fridge?
Learning how to store Brussels sprouts is the first step in answering the question, “How long do Brussels sprouts last?” Fortunately, both are pretty straightforward.
Storing whole Brussels sprouts: To store entire Brussels sprouts, lay them in a bowl and cover with food-safe plastic wrap. If you buy Brussels sprouts that come on the stalk, remove the stalks before storing them.
Place your bowl in the fridge after poking a few holes in the wrap. This should keep your Brussels sprouts in the fridge for around five days.
Storing chopped Brussels sprouts: If you are cutting your Brussels sprouts before you store them, trim the ends.
Chopped Brussels Sprouts Storage: Trim the ends of your Brussels sprouts before storing them. Place the sliced or shredded sprouts in a food-safe plastic container and store them in the fridge. Cut Brussels sprouts should be kept for about three days.
Avoid washing too early: Wash your Brussels sprouts only right before you plan to use them since extra moisture might induce rot.
How long do Brussel sprouts last in the fridge?
The shelf life of sprouts can be affected by how they are stored.
Brussels sprouts can be stored in a fridge for up to two weeks. You should buy them on the stalk; this can help to make them stay longer.
They will last a single night on the counter but should be devoured as quickly as feasible. Cooked sprouts can be stored for up to 4 days.
Can you freeze Brussel sprouts?
Absolutely! This nutritious vegetable is a great candidate for the freezer. Frozen Brussels sprouts may be preserved in the freezer for 6months if properly prepared.
If you’re looking to extend the lifespan even more, freezing is a better choice. Brussel sprouts last for up to 1 year when blanched and stored in the freezer.
How to Freeze Brussels Sprouts
If you’re looking for a long-term storage solution, you can freeze Brussels sprouts.
Before you freeze, you’ll need to blanch the Brussels sprouts first to kill any bacteria. Plus, blanching also helps avoid the loss of vitamins and minerals while preserving the sprouts’ bright green color. Here’s how to do it:
Step 1: Rinse the Brussels sprouts. Remove any outer leaves; trim stems. Halve or quarter the sprouts, depending on their size.
Step 2: Heat a large bowl of water. Next to the stove, place a large dish of ice water.
Step 3: Cook the Brussels sprouts for 2 to 3 minutes in boiling water. With a spoon, transfer to the ice bath. Drain thoroughly and pat dry.
Step 4: Spread the Brussels sprouts on a big baking sheet in a single layer and freeze until solid. Move to an airtight freezer-safe container and place it in the freezer.
Wash and rinse Brussels sprouts well before freezing. Remove any yellow or off-color leaves as well. Brussels sprouts can be stored properly for up to 12 months.
Can frozen Brussel sprouts go bad?
If you want to utilize your Brussels sprouts in the later months, it is usually better to keep them frozen. Brussels sprouts can be kept frozen for up to 12 months.
It is important to remember, however, that the quality of Brussels sprouts decreases as time passes. Fresh Brussels sprouts taste very different from those that have been stored for several weeks or months.
Fresh food from the shop or garden provides the highest nutrition and taste.
Thawing Brussels Sprouts
The way you defrost your Brussels sprouts is determined by how you intend to prepare them.
Roasting
If you’re roasting them, arrange your frozen Brussels sprouts on a baking sheet seasoned with salt, pepper, and olive, then bake in the oven.
Other Cooking Techniques
Allow your Brussels sprouts to soften at room temperature for a few minutes before cooking, then prepare as preferred.
How to tell if Brussel sprouts have gone bad
There are a few signals that show your Brussels sprouts have passed their prime. If any of the leaves have brown spots or are yellowing, it’s a sign of early deterioration.
Also, if you remove the blemished leaves and the inside looks okay, then you can still use the Brussels sprouts. However, if the inside leaves have flaws or yellowing, it’s best to toss them (or compost them if you can.
If the Brussels sprouts are beginning to open, it’s another sign of possible deterioration. Fresh Brussels sprouts should be tightly furled. A fresh sprout will also be firm, so avoid using any that have soft places.
Can you freeze fresh Brussel sprouts without blanching?
Yes (as well as no). It is dependent on how soon you want to use the vegetable. There is no need to blanch frozen sprouts if you expect to use them within a few weeks.
Pre-cooking (blanching) vegetables can help retain their antioxidant activity.
When defrosted or cooked, unblanched Brussels sprouts will be mushy.
How long can you keep fresh Brussel sprouts in the fridge?
Even though Brussels sprouts may be kept in the fridge for up to a week, perhaps a bit longer, their flavor becomes stronger and less sweet over time. When prepared within three to four days of purchase, they are at their best.
Takeaway
Brussels sprouts last for about two weeks in the fridge or a year in the freezer. If freezing, be sure to blanch the Brussels sprouts first.
Rotten Brussels sprouts will have brown or yellow spots or be soft to the touch.