How to Store Broccoli: Keep It Fresh for Weeks
Do you ever bring broccoli home from the grocery store, only to find it wilted and turning brown in a couple of days? I will teach you the best way to wash and store your broccoli so you can keep broccoli fresh in your refrigerator for weeks. This will help you reduce food waste and save money on groceries!

Why Storing Broccoli Properly Matters
Broccoli is a nutritional powerhouse, packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. However, it’s also one of those vegetables that can spoil quickly if not stored properly. Learning this easy way to store broccoli the right way ensures you’ll always have crisp, fresh broccoli florets ready for your favorite recipes.
How to Wash Broccoli Before Storing
Unlike other produce that I wash in vinegar, I use salt to clean broccoli and cauliflower. Here’s how I do it:
- Remove Packaging: The first step is to remove broccoli heads from the plastic bag or any other packaging. If you're looking for reusable produce bags, these are what I use.
- Prepare a Salt Bath: Use a large bowl that holds about 10 cups of warm water—not hot water, just warm enough to dissolve the salt. Add a generous amount of salt, such as Redmond’s Real Sea Salt, Celtic Sea Salt, or Himalayan Salt.
- Soak the Broccoli: Place the whole broccoli in the salt water and soak it for 2 minutes. Be sure to set a timer to avoid over-soaking.
- Rinse Thoroughly: After soaking, rinse the broccoli under running water to remove any residue or debris. Pay extra attention to any floating particles in the water.
- Dry Completely: Lay the broccoli crowns on paper towels or a cloth towel to dry thoroughly. This prevents extra moisture from causing spoilage.
How to Store Broccoli in the Refrigerator
Now that your broccoli is clean and dry, it’s time to store it properly. Here’s how:
- Trim the Stem: Before placing the dry broccoli in a jar, cut about ¼ inch off the bottom of the stalk. This opens up the vascular system of the plant, allowing it to absorb water more effectively.
- Use a Water Jar: Fill a small jar, such as a jelly jar, with filtered water. You should have at least an inch of water in it at all times. Avoid using chlorinated tap water, as it can harm the plant.
- Submerge the Stem: Place the broccoli stems into the jar, ensuring the stem is fully submerged in the water. The florets should remain above the jar’s rim and it will look like a bouquet of flowers.
- Store in the Fridge: Place the jar with the head of broccoli in your refrigerator. The middle shelves in your fridge are the best place to keep this bouquet of broccoli. It will allow it to get good air circulation and avoid any cold spots you might have at the back of the fridge.
Maintaining Your Stored Broccoli
To keep your broccoli fresh for weeks, you’ll need to maintain it:
- Change the Water: Replace the water in the mason jar every few days to keep it clean and fresh.
- Trim the Stem Again: About every 10 days, cut another ¼ inch off the bottom of the stalk to refresh the vascular system and enhance water absorption. This simple step is key is keeping the broccoli fresh.
Bonus Tip: Use Filtered Water
Filtered water is essential for this method. Tap water, especially if it contains chlorine, can harm the broccoli and reduce its freshness. Use the same water you drink for the best results. I use water from my Boroux Water Filter. This system sits on my counter and each set of water filters will process over 12,000 gallons gallons of water! It's a great way to ensure that we always have filtered water on hand as we prefer that over the city water.
Watch How I Wash and Store Broccoli
How to Wash Other Produce Items
If you are looking for information on different ways to store other fresh vegetables, be sure to check out my book, the Zero Waste Produce Guide. You'll learn how to extend the shelf life of 75 produce items. It also outlines where to store items such as in the crisper drawer, an airtight container, or at room temperature.
Leave a Comment