How to Prepare and Store Raw Broccoli

Broccoli must be properly washed and cut before use.

While you can purchase fresh broccoli that has already been washed and cut, it is more cost effective to buy the raw broccoli in bulk and prepare it for storage yourself. As long as you know where to cut the stalks and how to store the broccoli pieces, you can prepare the vegetable for storage quickly and easily. Once the broccoli is prepared, it will keep in the refrigerator for up to seven days.

Things You'll Need

• Cutting board
• Chef's knife
• Strainer
• Salad spinner
• Paper towels
• Gallon-size plastic freezer bag

Instructions

1. Hold the stalk of broccoli on its side on a cutting board. Rest the blade of a chef's knife about an inch away from where the dark sprouts begin to grow from the broccoli stems.

2. Press down hard to slice the broccoli across the top. This will cause the singular clump of dark sprouts to break apart into broccoli florets.

3. Place the florets into a strainer and rinse well with water. Dry the broccoli in a salad spinner, or by simply laying it over some paper towels.

4. Transfer the clean broccoli pieces to a gallon-size plastic freezer bag and push out as much air as possible before sealing it.

5. Keep the bag of raw broccoli in the refrigerator.