How to Store Brussel Sprouts so They Stay Fresh and Crunchy

Not many people realize it, but Brussels sprouts are one of those versatile vegetables that are available almost all year round. While they often steal the show during holiday feasts, these little green gems are equally delicious in a variety of nutritious and healthy recipes. To make the most of their culinary potential, it’s important to store Brussels sprouts properly so they retain their fresh, crunchy texture for as long as possible. Whether you’re lucky enough to find them still on their stalk or you’ve bought them loose, read on to discover the best ways to store Brussels sprouts and keep them at their freshest.

How to Store Brussels Sprouts on the Stalk

If you’re fortunate enough to come across Brussels sprouts still on their stalk, you’re in for a treat. Storing them on the stalk is one of the best ways to keep them fresh. The stalk acts as a natural preservative, helping the sprouts retain moisture and stay crisp. To store them, simply place the stalk in a cool, dry area of your kitchen, or, if you have the space, stand it upright in the fridge. You can also wrap a damp paper towel around the cut end of the stalk to help maintain moisture. When you’re ready to use the sprouts, just snap them off as needed. Keeping them on the stalk allows them to last longer and gives you a steady supply of fresh sprouts.

How to Store Loose, Whole Brussels Sprouts

If you’ve bought Brussels sprouts loose, without the stalk, you’ll want to store them properly to preserve their crunch. The best place for whole Brussels sprouts is in the refrigerator. Store them in a perforated plastic bag or a mesh produce bag to allow for airflow, which helps prevent moisture buildup and extends their shelf life. If you don’t have a perforated bag, you can loosely wrap them in a paper towel before placing them in a plastic bag. Avoid washing them before storing, as excess moisture can lead to spoilage. Stored this way in the crisper drawer of your fridge, Brussels sprouts can stay fresh for up to a week.

How to Store Cut Brussels Sprouts

Once you’ve cut or trimmed your Brussels sprouts, it’s crucial to store them properly to keep them fresh and crunchy. After cutting, they should be used as soon as possible, but if you need to store them for a short time, placing them in a container with a damp paper towel can help retain moisture without making them soggy. It’s best to avoid storing cut Brussels sprouts in water, as this can cause them to lose their flavor and texture. Instead, keep them in an airtight container in the fridge, where they’ll stay fresh for up to two days.

How to Store Cooked Brussels Sprouts

If you’ve cooked a batch of Brussels sprouts and have leftovers, don’t worry—there are ways to store them to preserve their taste and texture. Cooked Brussels sprouts should be cooled to room temperature before being transferred to an airtight container. Store them in the refrigerator, where they’ll stay good for up to four days. When reheating, be mindful not to overcook them, as this can cause them to become mushy. Whether you reheat them in the oven, on the stovetop, or in the microwave, aim for just enough heat to warm them through while retaining their delicious, slightly crispy edges.

Freezing and Thawing Brussels Sprouts

For longer storage, freezing Brussels sprouts is a great option. To freeze them, first blanch the sprouts by boiling them for 3-5 minutes, then quickly transferring them to an ice bath to stop the cooking process. Once cooled, pat them dry and spread them out on a baking sheet to freeze individually before transferring them to a freezer-safe bag or container. Frozen Brussels sprouts can last up to a year and are perfect for adding to soups, stews, or roasting straight from the freezer. When you’re ready to use them, there’s no need to thaw—just cook them directly from frozen for the best texture and flavor.

How Long Do Brussels Sprouts Last?

The longevity of Brussels sprouts depends on how they’re stored:

• On the stalk: 2-3 weeks in the fridge
• Whole, loose sprouts in the fridge: Up to 1 week
• Cut sprouts in the fridge: Up to 2 days
• Cooked sprouts in the fridge: Up to 4 days
• Frozen sprouts: Up to 12 months