If you have ever bought home broccoli from the supermarket only to discover it has wilted and become discoloured after a few days, then you may be storing it wrong. 

It may seem easy to put broccoli in the fridge but Amy Cross, a cook and founder of The Cross Legacy, has shared taking five minutes to store broccoli correctly will keep it fresh for much longer. 

Amy said: “Broccoli is a nutritional powerhouse, packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. However, it’s also one of those vegetables that can spoil quickly if not stored properly. 

“Learning this easy way to store broccoli the right way ensures you’ll always have crisp, fresh broccoli florets ready for your favourite recipes.”

To store broccoli you will need a generous amount of salt, which may seem strange but washing vegetables in saltwater helps decontaminate them.

Bacteria, dirt and even insects can hide in between the florets which is why broccoli tends to have a short lifespan, but getting rid of these contaminants will reduce the chances of decay. 

Salt is naturally antibacterial and also absorbant, so not only will it kill germs but get rid of any excess moisture on broccoli so there is no chance of it growing mould. 

How to properly store broccoli 

All you need to do is fill a bowl with warm water and a few tablespoons of salt. Make sure the water is not boiling hot as you can risk cooking the broccoli.

When the salt has fully dissolved, set a timer for two minutes and place your broccoli in the salt water. 

Let the broccoli soak for only two minutes as leaving it longer can lead to water-soluble nutrients like vitamin C leaching out into the saltwater. 

Once the time is out, rinse the broccoli under a tap of cold water to remove any debris that has not gotten loose. 

Then, lay the broccoli on some paper towels or a tea towel to dry them. Make sure it is completely dry before you store it in the fridge. 

It is better to take broccoli out of the supermarket packaging as plastic traps moisture which can cause it to become soggy or mouldy. 

Store broccoli in a glass container, or if you want to go the extra mile, then store in it a jar filled with water. 

If you keep the broccoli stems hydrated, it will keep the vegetable firm and crisp for much longer and storing it upright will reduce the moisture buildup in the florets. 

Not only does it slow down spoilage but will also prevent nutrient loss as you are keeping the broccoli functioning like it is a plant. 

Make sure to replace the water in the jar every few days and if you are keeping your broccoli will stay fresh for more than 10 days. 

If you wish to keep it for more than 10 days, then cut a small amount off the broccoli stem to help it absorb water much more efficiently and it should keep fresh a little longer.