How To Prep and Store Fresh Broccoli For Less Waste
Mastering the art of storing fresh vegetables like broccoli is the first step towards combating food waste and trimming your grocery budget. In this guide, I'll show you the best way to store fresh broccoli so it stays flavorful and maintains its nutritional value for longer. Ready to stop letting perfectly good food go to waste? I'll show you the easy way with these simple-to-follow tips!
Materials
Instructions
- Storing Broccoli: The hands-down best way to store raw broccoli is in your fridge as a whole head. Place the raw broccoli in a loose or mesh reusable produce bag to allow for some air circulation. If your broccoli seems a bit damp when you bring it home, you can wrap it in a few paper towels before putting it in the bag. Just be sure to change the paper towels if they get too damp.
- How to Prepare Fresh Broccoli: I suggest washing your broccoli right before you plan to eat or cook it to keep it at peak freshness. Moisture causes mold and mildew, which is not a great look for our fresh veggies.
- How to Cut Fresh Broccoli: Let's get chopping! First, you'll want to separate the broccoli florets from the tough broccoli stems. The florets are the bushy, tree-like tops, while the stems are the thick, stalky parts. Don’t throw away the stems and leafy greens, though! They are just as edible and nutritious as the more popular florets. You can peel the outer skin of the stalks and slice them into discs or sticks for snacking or cooking. From there, you can use your hands or a paring knife to cut any big pieces into more manageable, smaller florets. Store the cut broccoli in a glass container, mason jars, or a sealed bag to maintain freshness until you're ready to use it!