Does Brussel Sprouts Go Bad?

Brussel Sprouts are a type of vegetable that possesses a great flavor. Like other vegetables, Brussel sprouts can also go bad very quickly. It is because their shelf life is relatively short.

Fresh Brussel sprouts can last for a day or two if they are kept at room temperature. Their shelf life also depends on the time they were picked and the way they are stored.

It will help if you buy Brussel sprouts in excellent condition to last for as long as possible. Otherwise, they can get spoiled very quickly.

How to Store Brussel Sprouts?

All the kinds of vegetables should be stored in favorable conditions to have them last for a longer duration. Similarly, Brussel sprouts also need proper storage so that they can stay for a long time.

Place in the refrigerator

The best place for storing Brussel sprouts is the vegetable drawer of your fridge. As we know that Brussel sprouts can go bad very quickly at room temperature, so a refrigerator is the best place to store them.

Brussel sprouts can last in the refrigerator for almost two weeks retaining their best quality. It will help if you put them in plastic bags before putting them in the fridge.

Keep them in the pantry

You can also store the Brussel sprouts on the counter of your pantry. However, it is only better if you want to use them in a day or two. Otherwise, if they are stored at room temperature for more than two days, they will get spoiled. So if you want to use them on the same day or the next day, you can store them in the pantry.

Keep Brussel Sprouts on the Stalk

Brussel Sprouts come in two types. One is off the stem, and the other one is attached to the branch. The stalk of Brussel sprouts stays fresh for a longer time. They maintain moisture and freshness as long as they are linked with the branch. You can discard them from the stalk if you want to use them.

Put them in the freezer

The shelf life of the food products is increased when they are stored in the freezer. If you have bought too many Brussel sprouts and plan to use them later, freezing is the best option. Brussel Sprouts can be store in a freezer for almost 12-16 months, retaining their best quality.

Can You Freeze Brussel Sprouts?

To store the foods for a longer period, freezing is a perfect option. Like other vegetables, Brussel Sprouts can also be stored in a freezer to lose up to 16 months to retain their best quality.

You will have to blanch the Brussel Sprouts before freezing them to retain their fresh green color. You can also freeze them without blanching, but it will result in discoloration of Brussel Sprouts. Moreover, the taste and flavor will not be retained as well.

How Long Does Brussel Sprouts Last?

The Brussel Sprouts do not have a longer shelf life usually. At room temperature, Brussel Sprouts can only last up to 2 days. However, if they are stored in the right conditions, they can last for as long as possible.

If you follow the guidelines mentioned above, they can last for almost a week in a refrigerator retaining their peak quality. Brussel Sprouts attached with stem have a longer shelf life than those that are not connected. It is because the Brussel Sprouts attached with stem retain moisture and freshness for a long time.

On the other hand, if the Brussel Sprouts are stored in the freezer, they can last for almost 16 months to retain their best quality. Moreover, the shelf life also depends on the date on which they were picked.

How to Tell if Brussel Sprouts Is Bad?

If you notice any change in the texture, color, taste, and smell of a food product, it means that it is no longer fresh and has gone bad. Fresh Brussel Sprouts are green in color and very solid to touch. If you are not sure whether the Brussel Sprouts have been spoiled or not, then you may check the following things:

• Check the leaves, and if you notice any insects between them, it is not okay to use them. It is better to wash the heads before cooking.
• Fresh Brussel sprouts do not smell bad. To check the smell, give it a sniff. If it smells like an old cabbage, it means that it has been spoiled. It would help if you got rid of it at once.
• Brussel Sprouts are green and firm to touch. If you touch the heads and do not feel any firmness, you should discard them because they are not okay to use.
• If you notice any molds or dark spots on the head, you should get rid of them as well. It is the most common sign of spoilage.

Sources

• Does it go bad
• 10Kitchen
• TheKitchn