What do you do when you get a bulk of broccoli and then don't plan to use it or just use a little and think about how not to let it go waste. Whether you buy broccoli heads or broccoli florets, freezing is a great way to extend the freshness of this delicious bright green vegetable.
Preparation
- Rinse: thoroughly rinse the broccoli with water to get rid of any dirt.
- Dry: use a kitchen towel to dry the florets and remove any excess moisture.
- Cut: although whole head of broccoli can be frozen, it is best to cut it into small florets so that you can use only what you need later.
How to freeze broccoli florets
Broccoli florets can be frozen after blanching or without blanching. I personally prefer the easy option of not blanching as it saves a lot of time and is an effortless process. No nutrients are lost like the blanching process.
- Portion: depending on your preference, you can portion the florets into smaller batches like 10 oz, 12 oz, 16 oz, 20 oz, or 24 oz. In stores you find these quantities and many recipes will use these amounts. However, you can freeze a big batch and then use what you would need.
- Package: pack the broccoli florets in ziplock bags or airtight freezer safe containers. It is also a great way to double layer the florets to prevent freezer burn.
- Label: label the containers with date and contents - "broccoli florets". If you are portioning them, you can also write the quantity.
Broccoli florets in ziplock bag for freezing.
Frozen broccoli florets.
Storage choices
- Freezer-Safe Bags: Ziplock bags are are great to freeze broccoli florets.
- Leftover florets: if you have a large pack of fresh florets then use what you need and freeze the remaining in the same pack.
If you do not use a fresh florets pack then you can place it in the freezer unopened.
How to defrost frozen broccoli florets
- Refrigerator - place the container or freezer bag in the fridge overnight or for 6-8 hours.
- Quick thaw: place the container in a bowl with warm water for about 10-15 minutes.
- Microwave: use the defrost setting on the microwave to immediately defrost the florets.
How to use frozen broccoli florets
Depending on the recipe, you can use frozen broccoli as is or after thawing it.
- Pasta: add the thawed florets to the pasta once it is done. It can also be steamed and added.
- Side dish: frozen broccoli florets can be roasted in the air fryer or in the oven.
- Soups and stews: add the frozen broccoli florets directly to the soup or stew towards the end, once the soup is almost done.
Duration
Broccoli florets can be frozen for about a year. You can use what you need and leave the rest in the freezer.
More freezing ideas:
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