Got a big bag of broccoli that you want to store for later? Here’s your quick guide on how to freeze broccoli the right way.

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How to Freeze Broccoli: The Ultimate Guide

Why Should I Freeze Broccoli?

Freezing vegetables can save you money by allowing you to buy in bulk, and it also preserves the vegetables so that they’ll last even longer than the ones fresh-picked from your garden or purchased at the store.

Broccoli in particular, packs in a lot of beneficial antioxidants as well as being an excellent source of vitamins A, B6, C, folate, and fiber. Adding more of it to your recipes can really pump up their nutritional value. Freezing broccoli gives you the chance to use them for your recipes quickly, without needing to rush to the store.

Can I Freeze Fresh Broccoli Without Blanching?

Blanching is the process of cooking vegetables in boiling water or steam for a short time and then submerging them into ice-cold water immediately. This process helps stop enzyme activity that causes deterioration of the vegetable. Plus, blanching also helps retain the color and the shape of the veggie for a longer period of time.

Ideally, it is best to blanch your broccoli before you freeze it, but if you’re planning to use the frozen broccoli within a couple of weeks, you can skip the blanching step and go ahead with freezing it directly.

Why you will love freezing broccoli at home.

The prep time takes just a few minutes, if at all.
It helps reduce food waste
You’ll end up saving money
You’ll always have a supply of broccoli to use for your recipes.

How to choose the right broccoli for freezing?

To make sure your broccoli freezes right and maintains its shape and color well, you’ll need to be careful while actually selecting it in the first place. Choose broccoli heads that have a uniform color, look fresh and are firm to touch. Skip the ones that have shriveled stems and look limp. Avoid picking broccoli heads that lool yellowish or brown.

How long can I freeze the broccoli?

Frozen broccoli can stay good for up to a year. Make sure you label the container or the bag you’re putting it in, and you’re all set.

Should I wash broccoli before freezing?

Yes, you definitely should. Just remember to allow the florets to dry completely before you freeze them, if you’re planning to freeze them without blanching.

Method #1: Freeze Unblanched Broccoli

First be sure to wash your broccoli.
You can cut up the broccoli into whatever size you prefer at this point.
Add your broccoli into a labeled gallon freezer bag. Be sure to remove as much air as possible and then freeze.
Freeze for 6-9 months. Broccoli should stay good for 6-9 months in the freezer.

Method #2: Freeze Blanched Broccoli

Cover a baking sheet (with a lip) with parchment paper. This will keep your broccoli from sticking and make it easy to transfer once frozen.
Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Blanching is a method of sticking vegetables into boiling water for 1-2 minutes and then setting into an ice bath. Be sure to get a pot of boiling water on the stove right away so you are not waiting on the water.
While the water boiling cut your broccoli to preferred size.
Set broccoli pieces into boiling water for 1-2 minutes then remove and place into an ice bath, or run under cold water for a few minutes.
Place cooled broccoli onto Prepared Baking Sheet. Set baking sheet with into the freezer for 1-2 hours. Do not freeze too much longer than 2 hours otherwise broccoli may develop freezer burn.
Transfer frozen broccoli into a freezer bag. Once broccoli is in a freezer bag remove as much air as possible and seal. TIP: Don’t forget to label the freezer bag and write an expiration date on the bag. (Today’s date plus 6-9 months).

Tips & Tricks to Use the Frozen Broccoli

Looking for some inspiration to put those frozen broccoli florets to use? Here are a few ideas to get you started.

Frozen broccoli florets can make for an excellent addition to your stir fries and Asian recipes.
If your frozen broccoli doesn’t seem to be holding its shape very well, you could blend it into a paste and add it to your homemade soups.
Broccoli florets can also add a lot of nutritive value to your casseroles, pasta bakes and even curries.
You could also sneak some broccoli into your breakfast of scrambled eggs or egg muffins.

Loved how easy it was to freeze broccoli? Looking for some more help freezing other fruits and fresh produce? Here are some quick links to help you out.

2 Methods for Freezing Fresh Broccoli. ????

How to Freeze Broccoli

Learn how to freeze fresh broccoli at home to preserve this fresh treat.

Prep Time5

Active Time1

Course: Side Dish

Cuisine: American

Keyword: Freezing Broccoli, How to Freeze Broccoli, How to Freeze Fresh Broccoli

Materials

broccoli as many as you want to freeze

Instructions

Method #1: Freeze Unblanched Broccoli

First be sure to wash your broccoli.
You can cut up the broccoli into whatever size you prefer at this point.
Add your broccoli into a labeled gallon freezer bag. Be sure to remove as much air as possible and then freeze.
Freeze for 6-9 months. Broccoli should stay good for 6-9 months in the freezer.

Method #2: Freeze Blanched Broccoli

Cover a baking sheet (with a lip) with parchment paper. This will keep your broccoli from sticking and make it easy to transfer once frozen.
Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Blanching is a method of sticking vegetables into boiling water for 1-2 minutes and then setting into an ice bath. Be sure to get a pot of boiling water on the stove right away so you are not waiting on the water.
While the water boiling cut your broccoli to preferred size.
Set broccoli pieces into boiling water for 1-2 minutes then remove and place into an ice bath, or run under cold water for a few minutes.
Place cooled broccoli onto Prepared Baking Sheet. Set baking sheet with into the freezer for 1-2 hours. Do not freeze too much longer than 2 hours otherwise broccoli may develop freezer burn.
Transfer frozen broccoli into a freezer bag. Once broccoli is in a freezer bag remove as much air as possible and seal.
TIP: Don’t forget to label the freezer bag and write an expiration date on the bag. (Today’s date plus 6-9 months).