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To store cauliflower and broccoli in the fridge, you need to keep them dry, cold, and breathable.
These two veggies are basically cousins in the cruciferous family, and they both hate moisture on their surface.
If you store cauliflower and broccoli in the fridge the wrong way, they’ll turn yellow, limp, and smelly fast.
If you store them the right way, they can stay fresh for a week or even longer.
In this post, we’ll walk through exactly how to store cauliflower and broccoli in the fridge so you get the most life out of them.
Let’s get to it.
How to Store Cauliflower and Broccoli in Fridge the Right Way
To store cauliflower and broccoli in the fridge properly, the goal is to manage moisture, airflow, and ethylene gas.
Here’s how to do it step by step.
1. Don’t Wash Them Before Storing
The number one mistake people make when they store cauliflower and broccoli in the fridge is washing them first.
Extra water on the surface invites mold and rot, especially in the tight florets of broccoli and the crevices of cauliflower.
So if you want to store cauliflower and broccoli in the fridge, keep them dry until you’re ready to cook or eat them.
Wash right before using, not before storing.
2. Keep Them Whole, Not Chopped
When you store cauliflower and broccoli in the fridge as whole heads, they last much longer.
Cutting them into florets exposes more surface area to air, which speeds up wilting and browning.
If you must prep ahead, store the florets in an airtight container with a paper towel, but know they won’t last as long as whole heads.
So whenever possible, store cauliflower and broccoli in the fridge whole.
3. Use Breathable Bags or Containers
You want to store cauliflower and broccoli in the fridge in something that lets a little air circulate.
Plastic bags work if you leave them slightly open or poke a few holes in them.
Even better, use reusable silicone bags or containers with a vent, or wrap the heads loosely in a clean kitchen towel.
The key is to store cauliflower and broccoli in the fridge without trapping too much moisture inside.
4. Add a Paper Towel to Absorb Moisture
A simple paper towel is your best friend when you store cauliflower and broccoli in the fridge.
Place a dry paper towel inside the bag or container with the veggies.
It soaks up any condensation that forms, which keeps the environment dry.
Change the paper towel every couple of days if it feels damp, and your cauliflower and broccoli will stay crisp longer.
5. Keep Them in the Crisper Drawer
The crisper drawer is the best spot to store cauliflower and broccoli in the fridge.
It’s designed to maintain slightly higher humidity than the rest of the fridge, which is ideal for these veggies.
Set the drawer to the low-humidity setting if you have that option.
And don’t cram them in too tight, because you want some air movement around the heads.
6. Separate Them From Ethylene Producers
Broccoli and cauliflower are sensitive to ethylene gas, which is released by fruits like apples, bananas, and tomatoes.
If you store cauliflower and broccoli in the fridge next to those fruits, they’ll yellow and spoil faster.
So keep them in a different drawer or on a different shelf.
This one tip can add several days to their shelf life.
How Long Can You Store Cauliflower and Broccoli in the Fridge?
When you store cauliflower and broccoli in the fridge correctly, here’s what you can expect.
Broccoli
Fresh, whole broccoli stored properly will last about 5 to 7 days.
If you store broccoli florets in an airtight container with a paper towel, use them within 3 to 4 days.
Cauliflower
Whole cauliflower heads can last 1 to 2 weeks when you store cauliflower in the fridge the right way.
Cut cauliflower florets last about 4 to 5 days in a sealed container.
Cooked Cauliflower and Broccoli
If you’ve already cooked them, store cauliflower and broccoli in the fridge in an airtight container.
They’ll keep for about 3 to 5 days.
Just make sure they’ve cooled completely before you put them away.
Signs Your Cauliflower and Broccoli Have Gone Bad
Even if you store cauliflower and broccoli in the fridge perfectly, they won’t last forever.
Watch for these signs that it’s time to toss them.
Yellowing
Broccoli turns yellow when it’s aging, and cauliflower develops dark spots.
A little yellowing is okay, but a lot means the flavor gets bitter.
Soft or Slimy Spots
If the stems or florets feel mushy or slimy, that’s bacterial decay.
Don’t try to salvage those parts.
Bad Smell
Fresh cauliflower and broccoli smell mild and earthy.
If they smell sour or cabbage-like, they’ve gone bad.
So, How Do You Store Cauliflower and Broccoli in the Fridge?
To store cauliflower and broccoli in the fridge, keep them dry, whole, and in a breathable container with a paper towel.
Put them in the crisper drawer away from ethylene-producing fruits.
Don’t wash them until you’re ready to use them.
Follow these steps, and you’ll store cauliflower and broccoli in the fridge with confidence, enjoying fresh, crisp veggies all week long.