How long does broccoli last?
Fresh: 3-5 days in the fridge, 10-12 months in the freezer for best quality and keeping it in the pantry is not recommended.
| State | Pantry | Fridge 40 °F | Freezer 0 °F |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fresh | Not recommended Extension | 3-5 days FoodKeeper Extension Extension | 10-12 months best quality FoodKeeper Extension Extension |
Sources compared
| Source | State | Pantry | Fridge | Freezer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| USDA FSIS (FoodKeeper) 2018 | Fresh | - | 3-5 days | 10-12 months |
| Nebraska Extension | Fresh | - | 3-5 days | 10-12 months |
| NDSU Extension | Fresh | Not recommended | 3-5 days | 10-12 months |
A dash means that source gives no time for that place.
Handling and freezing notes
- “Select firm, young, tender stalks with compact heads. Remove leaves and woody portions.” Extension
- “Separate heads into convenient-size sections and immerse in brine (4 teaspoons salt to 1 gallon water) for 30 minutes to remove insects.” Extension
- “Split lengthwise so flowerets are no more than 1 1/2 inches across.” Extension
- “Water blanch 3 minutes in boiling water or steam blanch 5 minutes.” Extension
- “Cool promptly, drain and package, leaving no headspace. Seal and freeze.” Extension
What the sources say
FoodKeeper files broccoli in the same entry as broccoli raab, also called rapini, and gives them 3 to 5 days in the refrigerator from purchase.1
The same entry allows 10 to 12 months in the freezer.1
Broccoli is a case where the charts line up exactly: the Nebraska Extension chart and the NDSU Extension food storage guide both list 3 to 5 days refrigerated and 10 to 12 months frozen.231
None of them gives a room temperature time, and the NDSU guide marks pantry storage as not recommended.321
The National Center for Home Food Preservation adds a step for broccoli before freezing: the cut heads soak for 30 minutes in a brine of 4 teaspoons salt to 1 gallon of water to remove insects.4
It asks for firm, young, tender stalks with compact heads, and has the leaves and woody portions removed first.4
After soaking, the pieces are split lengthwise so that no floweret is more than 1 1/2 inches across.4
Blanching takes 3 minutes in boiling water, or 5 minutes when steam is used instead.4
The florets are then cooled promptly, drained and packaged without headspace before they are sealed and frozen.4
Rules that apply here
Related foods
Sources
- USDA FoodKeeper data v128, product 276: Broccoli and broccoli raab (rapini). USDA FSIS (FoodKeeper). Dated 2018-09-06. Checked 2026-10-24. Broccoli and broccoli raab (rapini). DOP_Refrigerate: 3-5 Days; DOP_Freeze: 10-12 Months
- Home Food Storage | UNL Food | Nebraska. Nebraska Extension. No date on the page. Checked 2026-10-24.
Broccoli - 3 to 5 days 10 to 12 months (freezing broccoli)
- 1 • FN579 • Food Storage GuideNDSU Extension. NDSU Extension. No date on the page. Checked 2026-10-25.
Broccoli * 3 to 5 days 10 to 12 months ... * Not recommended
Broccoli * 3 to 5 days 10 to 12 months
- Freezing Broccoli - National Center for Home Food Preservation. National Center for Home Food Preservation (University of Georgia). No date on the page. Checked 2026-10-25.
Select firm, young, tender stalks with compact heads. Remove leaves and woody portions.
Separate heads into convenient-size sections and immerse in brine (4 teaspoons salt to 1 gallon water) for 30 minutes to remove insects.
Split lengthwise so flowerets are no more than 1 1/2 inches across.
Water blanch 3 minutes in boiling water or steam blanch 5 minutes.
Cool promptly, drain and package, leaving no headspace. Seal and freeze.
- REFRIGERATOR & FREEZER STORAGE CHART. FDA. Dated 2018-03-01. Checked 2026-10-24.
Because freezing 0° F (-18° C) keeps food safe indefinitely, the following recommended storage times are for quality only.