Hello, fellow food lovers! Today, we’re diving into the world of broccolini and how to store broccolini properly.
There are a few misconceptions that we want to clear up so that you have fresh and crisp broccolini when you are ready to cook it.
By the way, an interesting factoid about broccolini is that it was created in Japan over the course of 8 years. It was not genetically modified, but rather it was cultivated.
Even more interesting is that it was not sold in the U.S. until the late 90s.
Before we get into the nitty-gritty of storage, let’s talk about how to tell if your broccolini is still good.
How to Know if Broccolini is Still Good
Fresh broccolini should be bright green with firm stalks and tight florets. The stems should be crunchy or crisp, not floppy.
If it’s wilting, has yellowing florets, or gives off a strong, unpleasant odor, it’s time to toss it. Healthy broccolini should have a mild smell that is slightly sweet and earthy.
Can You Store Broccolini at Room Temperature
It would be best not to store broccolini at room temperature for more than a few hours. If you just purchased some fresh broccolini and plan to use it immediately, you can keep it out on the counter but keep it cool and out of direct sunlight.
How to Store Broccolini
The refrigerator is your best friend when it comes to storing broccolini. When you first get home with your fresh broccolini, you will want
Remove any bindings or bands from the broccolini. Place the broccolini in a plastic bag, but don’t seal it completely. Leave some room for air circulation. Then, pop it in the crisper drawer of your fridge. If stored correctly, your broccolini should stay fresh for up to a week.
There is a common misconception that you should trim and store broccolini in water, but that is not the best way to store it. Storing it in water can actually lead to yellowing and early rot.
Consider that the entire broccolini is edible, which means that cutting the ends off would be wasteful and would speed up the processing of the broccolini going bad.
Another common misconception about storing broccolini is that you should rinse it first. It is better for the broccolini if you rinse it right before using it.
Can You Freeze Broccolini?
Absolutely! If you want to store broccolini for a more extended period, freezing is a great option.
Blanch the broccolini first (boil it for two minutes, then toss it into ice water to stop the cooking process).
Dry it thoroughly, then place it in a freezer-safe bag. Squeeze out as much air as possible before sealing. Your broccolini can stay fresh in the freezer for up to a year.
The bottom line
And there you have it! With these tips, you can enjoy fresh broccolini whenever you want. So, next time you bring home some broccolini, you’ll know exactly what to do. Happy cooking!
And before you go…
If you are curious about storing your veggies properly, then you should probably learn the truth about storing butter lettuce.
