How To Store Cauliflower So It Stays As Fresh As Possible

There is no shortage of delicious cauliflower recipes, but what is the best way to store this cruciferous vegetable? We talked to North Carolina chef Rhonda Stewart to tell us what we need to know about storing this vegetable.

Where To Store Cauliflower

Refrigeration is best for cauliflower storage, particularly the crisper drawer which usually stays consistently cold, says Stewart.

• Cauliflower should be stored in the refrigerator in its original packaging or a loose plastic bag, according to Stewart.
• “Another option is to put it in a damp paper towel and then a plastic bag to help keep a moderately moist environment,” she says.

How To Store Cauliflower

Store cauliflower away from fruits like apples, bananas, and tomatoes that produce ethylene gas, which can accelerate spoilage.

Proper storage is the key to maintaining the most nutritious health benefits when it comes to all vegetables.

How Long Does Fresh Cauliflower Last?

Fresh uncut cauliflower – in its typical head form –  should keep for 1 to 2 weeks when stored properly in the refrigerator, according to Stewart.

How Long Does Cut Cauliflower Last?

Cut cauliflower lasts between 4 -7 days, if sealed in a plastic bag and stored properly in the refrigerator. Once cauliflower is cut, the shelf-life is cut a bit shorter.

“You may need to trim the stalks a bit if they become discolored,” she says.

Can You Freeze Cauliflower?

If you have cauliflower that is on the verge of going bad, cauliflower is safe to freeze. Stewart says the best way to freeze cauliflower involves blanching it before storage. This is what freezing involves, according to Stewart:

1. Cut or break cauliflower into smaller pieces.
2. Wash it in clean water to dislodge any dirt.
3. Submerge the florets into boiling water for two to three minutes.
4. Transfer the florets to an ice bath to stop the cooking.
5. Thoroughly drain and dry.
6. When the cauliflower has dried, spread the cauliflower pieces out onto a baking sheet to freeze individually. 
7. Once frozen, transfer to an airtight bag and return to the freezer. 

“This way you can select as few pieces as you need and they are ready for their final cooking method such as roasting, pan frying, or steaming,” Stewart says.

How To Keep Cauliflower Fresh

While most cauliflower will keep for up to 2 weeks, it’s important to take note of what you are seeing, smelling, and feeling before chopping it up to use in a recipe.

Signs Of Spoilage

Stewart encourages inspecting cauliflower for signs of spoilage, which include: dark brown or black spots, a sour smell, or a mushy texture – all of which indicate the cauliflower is starting to go bad.

“The light brown discoloration that we often see on fresh heads is just the beginning of the oxidation process and is safe to consume,” she says, adding that washing cauliflower just prior to usage helps to minimize excess moisture that can cause quicker spoilage.