Chloe Zhang
Brussels sprouts are a versatile vegetable available almost all year round, but they need to be stored properly to retain their fresh, crunchy texture. If you buy them loose, without the stalk, the best place for whole sprouts is in the refrigerator. They should be dried off of any residual moisture and kept in an airtight container in the crisper drawer, which will limit the amount of incoming moisture and oxygen. If you want to store them for longer, you can blanch and freeze them.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Storage temperature | Cold, around 30°F |
| Storage location | Refrigerator |
| Container type | Airtight container |
| Storage duration | Up to 10 days |
| Preparation | Remove rotting/yellowing leaves |
| Washing | Avoid washing before storage |
| Storage with stalk | Keep in the fridge for 2-3 weeks |
| Storage without stalk | Store whole in a perforated bag in the fridge |
| Storage after cutting | Place in a container with a damp paper towel |
| Long-term storage | Freeze blanched sprouts for up to a year |
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What You'll Learn
Choose fresh Brussels sprouts
Choosing fresh Brussels sprouts is the first step to ensuring they stay fresh for longer. When selecting sprouts, opt for those that are a vibrant green with densely packed, tightly furled leaves. Avoid sprouts with leaves that are yellow, limp, withered, puckered, or flecked with holes. While you may be inclined to pass over the smaller sprouts with some yellow leaves, this variety actually has a milder, sweeter taste. Brussels sprouts are in season during the colder months, so you're more likely to find fresh ones at the farmer's market during this time.
If you're buying sprouts that are still on the stalk, choose those with strong, green outer leaves and avoid any that are soggy or have black spots. The stalk and its fruits can last in the fridge for up to two weeks, whereas individual sprouts will only last for about a week. So, if you're looking to maximise the shelf life of your Brussels sprouts, buying them on the stalk is a good option.
When selecting Brussels sprouts, it's important to consider how they are stored in the store. Be wary of sprouts that are kept at room temperature, as they may have been sitting there for a while. Instead, opt for sprouts that are kept chilled, as they are more likely to last longer once you take them home.
Once you've chosen your Brussels sprouts, you'll want to remove any rotting or wilting leaves before storing them. Like cabbage, mouldy leaves can moisten and infect the other leaves, damaging the rest of the vegetable. Removing these leaves will help keep the rest of the sprouts healthy and edible.
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Remove rotting leaves
When storing Brussels sprouts, it is important to remove any rotting, yellowing, or wilting leaves. This is because, like cabbage, mouldy leaves can moisten other leaves and infect them, damaging the rest of the vegetable. Removing these leaves ensures that the rest of the Brussels sprout remains healthy and edible.
When selecting Brussels sprouts, it is best to avoid sprouts with leaves that are flecked with holes or that look limp, withered, and puckered. Instead, opt for those with strong, green outer leaves, avoiding soggy ones or those with black spots. If you are buying sprouts that are already loose, without the stalk, you should store them in a perforated plastic bag or a mesh produce bag to allow for airflow, which prevents moisture buildup and extends their shelf life. If you don't have a perforated bag, you can loosely wrap them in a paper towel before placing them in a plastic bag.
If you are storing sprouts that are still on the stalk, trim off the end and put it in a small vase or mason jar (something that will not tip) and store them in the fridge. You might have to cover the stalk with a bag depending on your fridge. If your fridge is not tall enough, you can chop the stalk into separate pieces and store them in the fridge as outlined above.
If you are storing sprouts that are already cut, sliced, shredded, or chopped, it is best to use them as soon as possible. If you need to store them, place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will only last for three days or so.
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Keep them in the fridge
Keeping brussels sprouts in the fridge is a great way to make them last longer. If you've bought them loose, without the stalk, the best place for them is in the refrigerator. It's best to keep them whole until you're ready to use them, but you can also trim, cut, or shred them in advance. If you do prep them, do so no more than one to two days in advance.
When storing loose sprouts in the fridge, it's important to remove them from any plastic bags, as these can trap moisture and cause spoilage. Instead, transfer them to an airtight container or a perforated plastic bag to allow for airflow, which helps prevent moisture buildup. You can also loosely wrap them in a paper towel before placing them in a plastic bag. Make sure not to wash them before storing, as excess moisture can lead to spoilage.
Brussels sprouts will last for about a week in the fridge. If you keep them on the stalk, they can last even longer—up to two to three weeks. To store sprouts on the stalk, trim off the end and put it in a small vase or mason jar (something that won't tip over) and store them in the fridge. You might need to cover the stalk with a bag, depending on your fridge. If your fridge isn't tall enough, you can chop the stalk into separate pieces and store them in the same way as loose sprouts.
If you have cooked brussels sprouts, you can also store them in the fridge. Let them cool to room temperature, then transfer them to an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator, where they'll stay good for up to four days. For longer storage, you can freeze brussels sprouts, either by blanching them first or simply spreading them out on a baking sheet and freezing them before transferring to a freezer-safe container. Frozen sprouts can last for up to a year.
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Store in a container
If you've bought loose sprouts, without the stalk, you'll want to store them in a container to preserve their crunch. The best place for whole Brussels sprouts is in the refrigerator. If you've bought sprouts that are chopped, sliced, shredded, or cut, it's best to use them as soon as possible. However, if you need to store them, place them in an airtight container.
When storing loose sprouts, it's important to first remove them from any plastic bags, as these tend to be packed with moisture, which can cause spoilage. Next, discard any spoiled sprouts and peel off any leaves that look like they are turning yellow or are withering. Then, dry the sprouts with a paper towel and transfer them to an airtight container.
If you've cooked a batch of Brussels sprouts and have leftovers, cool them to room temperature before transferring them to an airtight container. They will stay good for up to four days in the refrigerator but are best eaten within two days for optimal quality and taste.
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Blanch and freeze
Blanching and freezing is a great way to store Brussels sprouts for the long term. This method can preserve the sprouts for up to a year, although some sources say they can last even longer. Blanching also helps retain nutrients and improves the taste of the sprouts once they're cooked.
To blanch Brussels sprouts, start by washing them under cold running water. Next, bring a large pot of water to a boil and place the sprouts in the boiling water for 3 to 5 minutes, or until they can be easily pierced with a sharp knife. Then, quickly transfer the sprouts to a bowl of ice water for another 4 minutes to stop the cooking process.
Once the Brussels sprouts have cooled, pat them dry with a towel. Then, spread the sprouts out on a baking sheet and put them in the freezer overnight, or for at least an hour. Finally, transfer the sprouts to a freezer-safe container or bag.
It's important to note that blanched Brussels sprouts should not be thawed before cooking, as this can make them mushy. They can be cooked directly from frozen using a variety of methods, such as roasting, sautéing, or air frying.
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Frequently asked questions
Brussel sprouts stored without plastic in an airtight container in the refrigerator can last for about a week.
If you've bought loose Brussel sprouts, remove them from the plastic bags and dry them with a paper towel. Transfer them to an airtight container and place them in the crisper drawer of the fridge.
If you've bought Brussel sprouts on the stalk, trim off the end and place them in a small vase or mason jar in the fridge. They can last for 2-3 weeks this way.
If your Brussel sprouts are already cut, place them in a container with a damp paper towel to retain moisture and store them in the refrigerator. They should be used as soon as possible.
Allow cooked Brussel sprouts to cool to room temperature, then transfer them to an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator. They will stay good for up to four days.
