Can You Freeze Broccoli? Tips And Recommendations
In this article, we will show you how to freeze broccoli to keep this vegetable as long as possible without affecting its quality. Read on to find out.
Crucifers, like broccoli, are among the healthiest vegetables around. They contain fiber and a good amount of antioxidants and flavonoids that are beneficial for the health of the body. We want to tell you more specifically about one of them and answer a common question: can we freeze broccoli?
Broccoli is a very popular food and not so much in equal parts; there are those who find it tasty and others who find it unappetizing. It contains essential nutrients for humans, but also a strong taste that not everyone likes. One of its advantages is its shelf life, in addition to being a product that is available most of the year in the supermarket.
What is the shelf life of fresh broccoli?
You may not know it yet, but regular consumption of broccoli has been linked to a lower risk of developing inflammation in the lungs, according to a study published in The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology. The good news is that this food can be bought fresh from almost any supermarket and kept in the fridge for a while.
In particular, it can be kept in the refrigerator for 14 days if it is stored in the raw state. In the case of a first cooking, its shelf life is reduced to 9 days. However, it should be noted that it should be stored appropriately; as far as possible, it should be covered.
How to store this vegetable correctly?
To maximize the shelf life of this vegetable, it is important to maintain simple care when storing it in the refrigerator. Usually you buy this vegetable wrapped in plastic or film. It is advised not to remove it before it is consumed, as this will shorten its shelf life.
If the package has already been opened, it is best to put the excess broccoli in a container and cover it, to limit its contact with the air. It can then be put back in the refrigerator for better conservation.
This way the flannels will not oxidize. These nutrients have proven their effectiveness in the prevention of several complex pathologies. They have even been linked to the reduction of cellular damage due to aging and, consequently, to the slowing down of oncological development processes.
Can I store cooked broccoli?
As mentioned, it is possible to keep the broccoli after cooking. To do this, it is important to store food in a closed container and under refrigerated conditions. Thus, it can be stored for up to 9 days, although it should be borne in mind that over time its organoleptic characteristics deteriorate.
We therefore recommend that you consume it after it is cooked or consume it within 2-3 days. You will be able to fully enjoy its flavor.
How to freeze broccoli?
To properly freeze broccoli, it is necessary to follow a specific procedure:
- First, remove the leaves surrounding it.
- Then you need to introduce the cruciferous to a container with cold water and salt.
- Later, you can proceed to crumble the branches in the portions you deem appropriate.
- The next thing to do is boil it. Cook it for 3 minutes after the water has reached the boiling point. But no more, otherwise it will lose its nutrients and vitamins.
- When finished cooking, the broccoli should be poured into a container with cold water to lower the temperature of the food.
- Finally, you can put the vegetable in the freezer, either in airtight containers or in freezer bags.
Remember that when using it, the vegetable will not have to go through a thawing process. It is best to put it directly in a pot of water or in the pan to finish cooking.
Also note that broccoli can be stored in the freezer for 9 months to 1 year. Therefore, its properties begin to dissipate and its flavor is affected.
Freezing for regular consumption
Crucifers are vegetables with nutritional properties beneficial to human health. Broccoli, in particular, differs from other representatives of this family. That is why we encourage you to introduce it regularly in your diet. There are many ways to prepare it.
Remember that broccoli can be frozen, but it must be cooked first. Once placed in the freezer, it will no longer need to be thawed to be used, but will be placed in the container where it will be cooked directly.
It’s a crucifer that can be found fresh all year round in the supermarket, but frozen it can last up to 12 months longer. So much so that you have no excuse to make sure you have it in your home.
