Have you ever tasted a bitter Brussels sprout and thought “how do people actually enjoy these?” Believe it or not, the way our produce is stored can play a major role in not only how long it will last, but also how good it will taste. Shortly after Brussels sprouts are harvested, they have a deliciously sweet flavor, and as time goes on, they take on a more bitter taste. However, if you’re storing them properly, Brussels sprouts can last for about a month in your refrigerator.
When shopping for Brussels sprouts, you may look past the smaller ones with some yellow leaves, but that variety has a milder, sweeter taste. On the other hand, bigger Brussels sprouts have a flavor profile more like cabbage. No matter what type of Brussels sprouts you’re buying, they should always be firm, and the leaves should be tightly layered.
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How to Store Whole Brussels Sprouts
First things first, if your Brussels sprouts are packed in the standard plastic bag from the market, you’re going to want to transfer them to an air-tight food storage container or a plastic bag with a secure zip-closure instead. This is because those bags accumulate moisture, which will spoil your sprouts more quickly. You should also remove any brown or yellow leaves to prevent rotting, and only wash the sprouts right before you intend to use them. When Brussels sprouts are stored using this method, they can stay fresh in the crisper drawer of the fridge for up to a week.
If you have the opportunity to buy a stalk of Brussels sprouts at the grocery store or farmer’s market, you should absolutely take advantage since they will maintain their freshness for a longer period of time—about a month. Once you get home, trim the stalk as you would a bouquet of flowers, and place it in a glass of water and then into the fridge. When you're ready to cook your veggies, simply snip each Brussels sprout off and discard the stalk.
How to Store Cut Brussels Sprouts
If you buy cut or shredded Brussels sprouts, or you want to meal prep for the week, you should store the sprouts in an air-tight container, just like you would for whole Brussels sprouts. While it may be more convenient to have pre-chopped Brussels sprouts on hand, they will spoil a bit quicker, so it’s a good idea to enjoy them within three to four days. Once they take on a yellowish-brown or black color and develop a squishy texture, you know it’s time to toss ‘em.
Can You Freeze Brussels Sprouts?
While there are two ways to freeze Brussels sprouts, one method is certainly superior. Here’s the thing, if you’re pressed for time, you can quickly spread your Brussels sprouts on a baking sheet and freeze them for a few hours before storing them in a freezer-friendly container.
But, if you want to make sure you’re preserving all their nutrients, you should really blanch the Brussels sprouts first, let them cool completely, and then freeze them using the method above. Blanching the Brussels sprouts will not only retain all those nutritional properties, but they will taste better once thawed as well. Frozen this way, Brussels sprouts should last for approximately 12 to 14 months.
Brussels sprouts are a great vegetable to have stashed away, since they’re so versatile and easy to cook with. One of the most popular ways to enjoy Brussels sprouts (including those that have been frozen and then thawed) is as a side dish with bacon and pomegranate seeds—the flavor combination is impossible to beat. You can also thinly chop them to make a Brussels sprout Salad with a zesty vinaigrette and other crunchy vegetables like fennel, red onion, and peppers, or toss 'em into soups and stews for extra nutrients.
