How Long Does Broccoli And Cauliflower Last In The Fridge

Broccoli and cauliflower last about 3 to 5 days in the fridge when stored raw and whole.
 

If you’ve been wondering how long does broccoli and cauliflower last in the fridge, the short answer is that both veggies stay fresh for under a week when kept in the crisper drawer.
 

That said, how long broccoli and cauliflower last in the fridge depends on how you store them, whether they’re raw or cooked, and how fresh they were when you brought them home.
 

In this post, we’ll cover how long broccoli and cauliflower last in the fridge, the best ways to store them so they stay crisp, and the signs that tell you it’s time to toss them.
 

Let’s get to it.
 

How Long Broccoli and Cauliflower Last in the Fridge

Broccoli and cauliflower last in the fridge for a few days up to a week, depending on their condition and how you store them.
 

Here’s the breakdown by situation:
 

1. Raw, Whole Heads Last 3 to 5 Days

A whole head of broccoli or cauliflower will last in the fridge for about 3 to 5 days.
 

That’s the sweet spot where both veggies keep their crunch and their bright color.
 

If your produce was super fresh when you bought it, you might stretch it to a full week.
 

But past that point, raw broccoli and cauliflower start to yellow, soften, and lose flavor.
 

2. Cut Florets Last 2 to 4 Days

Once you cut broccoli and cauliflower into florets, they last a little less time in the fridge.
 

Cut florets last about 2 to 4 days because the cut surfaces dry out faster and are more exposed to air.
 

If you know you’ll use them within a couple of days, go ahead and cut them up.
 

Otherwise, keep them whole until you’re ready to cook.
 

3. Cooked Broccoli and Cauliflower Last 3 to 4 Days

Cooked broccoli and cauliflower last in the fridge for about 3 to 4 days in an airtight container.
 

The same rule applies for blanched florets you plan to use later in the week.
 

Just make sure they’ve cooled completely before sealing the container so condensation doesn’t turn them soggy.
 

And label the container with the date so you don’t lose track of how long broccoli and cauliflower have been sitting there.
 

4. Frozen Broccoli and Cauliflower Last Months

If you’re not going to eat them in time, freezing is your best friend.
 

Blanched and frozen broccoli and cauliflower last in the freezer for 8 to 12 months.
 

That’s a great way to make sure none of your veggies go to waste.
 

Frozen florets work beautifully in soups, stir-fries, and casseroles, so there’s no real downside.
 

How to Store Broccoli and Cauliflower in the Fridge

Storing broccoli and cauliflower properly is what makes the difference between 3 days and a full week.
 

Here’s how to get the most out of your fridge time:
 

1. Don’t Wash Until You’re Ready to Use Them

Moisture is the enemy of fresh broccoli and cauliflower.
 

Wash them right before cooking instead of before storing, because extra water speeds up spoilage and can cause mold.
 

If you do rinse them early, dry them thoroughly with a paper towel first.
 

2. Keep Them Dry and Loosely Wrapped

Store raw heads in a loosely sealed plastic bag or a container with a vent.
 

You want airflow, not a sealed sauna.
 

Some people wrap the stems in a damp paper towel to keep them hydrated while keeping the florets dry.
 

That little trick helps broccoli and cauliflower last in the fridge a bit longer.
 

3. Use the Crisper Drawer

The crisper drawer is the ideal spot because it keeps humidity higher than the rest of the fridge.
 

Keep broccoli and cauliflower away from ethylene-producing fruits like bananas and apples.
 

Those fruits speed up ripening and can make your broccoli and cauliflower yellow faster.
 

4. Store Cooked Leftovers the Right Way

Cool cooked broccoli and cauliflower within two hours of cooking.
 

Then store them in a shallow airtight container so they chill quickly and evenly.
 

That’s how you avoid that sad, mushy texture people complain about with leftovers.
 

Signs Your Broccoli and Cauliflower Have Gone Bad

Knowing when to toss your veggies is just as important as knowing how long they last.
 

Here’s what to look for:
 

1. Yellowing Florets

Fresh broccoli is deep green and cauliflower is creamy white.
 

When broccoli florets turn yellow or cauliflower develops brown spots, they’re past their prime.
 

Slight yellowing is usually okay to eat, but strong yellowing means it’s time to let them go.
 

2. A Slimy or Soft Texture

If broccoli and cauliflower feel slimy or limp, they’ve spoiled.
 

Fresh florets should be firm and snap cleanly when you bend them.
 

Once they turn mushy, no amount of cooking will save them.
 

3. A Strong, Sulfur-Like Smell

A powerful cabbage-like smell is a clear signal your broccoli and cauliflower have gone bad.
 

Fresh florets have almost no odor at all, so trust your nose on this one.
 

So, How Long Do Broccoli and Cauliflower Last in the Fridge?

Broccoli and cauliflower last in the fridge for about 3 to 5 days when raw and whole, and a little less when cut or cooked.
 

Store them dry, loosely wrapped in the crisper drawer, and you’ll stretch them toward that 5-day mark.
 

Freeze what you can’t finish and you’ll never waste a head again.
 

Hope this post has helped you understand exactly how long broccoli and cauliflower last in the fridge and how to store them so they stay crisp as long as possible.