How to Freeze Broccoli and Cruciferous Vegetables

Sealing and freezing your favorite vegetables is a great way to maximize your grocery purchases and extend the shelf life of out-of-season produce. So knowing how to freeze broccoli is valuable for keeping broccoli fresh and enjoying the nutritional benefits for longer. By preserving broccoli with vacuum sealing you can properly store the vegetables in your freezer to enjoy later.

But while most vegetables can be transferred directly to a vacuum sealer bag, cruciferous vegetables — like broccoli and cabbage — must be blanched beforehand. Learn why blanching vegetables is useful and how to freeze broccoli and cruciferous vegetables correctly by blanching.

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Why Blanch Vegetables?

Unlike other produce, fresh cruciferous vegetables emit gases when they're stored. As a result, if they're kept in an airtight package they will cause the plastic bags to expand. This introduction of unwanted gases will cause your food to go bad quickly, so you boil vegetables — or blanch vegetables — for a set amount of time before transferring them to a vacuum sealer bag. So why do you blanch vegetables? The process of blanching impedes the enzymes in the vegetables which prevents food from discoloring or producing unwanted gases.

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What Counts as Cruciferous Vegetables?

A cruciferous vegetable is a type of produce that generally features florets or bulbs.

The most common cruciferous vegetables include the following:

• Broccoli
• Brussels sprouts
• Cabbage
• Cauliflower
• Kale
• Radishes
• Turnips

Cruciferous vegetables are considered amongst the healthiest produce to include in your diet. These plants are replete with essential nutrients like vitamin C and fiber and are crucial for boosting your immune system. So blanch your broccoli before vacuum sealing for best results.

How to Blanch Vegetables

Gather your cruciferous vegetables and separate them by type. You'll need to know how to blanch vegetables and freeze them separately for a smoother process. Next, follow these steps to blanch vegetables properly:

1. Prepare a large pot by filling it with water. We recommend using 1 gallon of water for each pound of vegetables you want to blanch.
2. Set aside a separate pot of cold water — 60 degrees or below — for use later.
3. Bring the water in the pot to a boil, then add your desired amount of vegetables. How long do you blanch vegetables in this pot? Blanching requires precision, so refer to specialized charts for accurate steam times.

For perfectly preserved produce, follow this technique to enjoy the taste and benefits of fresh vegetables for seasons.

How to Freeze Broccoli, Cauliflower & Cruciferous Vegetables

Freezing cruciferous vegetables requires a specific method to maintain freshness and nutritional value. For how to freeze broccoli, cauliflower and other vegetables long-term, follow these steps:

1. When the vegetables are done blanching, remove them immediately from the water.
2. Drain the water from the pot, then submerge the vegetables in cold water to stop the cooking process.
3. Dry your produce completely — any additional moisture can ruin the freezing process, so be sure your vegetables are thoroughly dried.
4. Place your food in individual bags, then use your vacuum sealer to remove the air. Since the produce has been steamed and cooled, it should remain properly preserved in your freezer. Learn more about how long you can save food in our guide.

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Understanding how to freeze broccoli and other cruciferous vegetables is a simple yet effective way to make the most out of your produce. For more information read our Guide to Storing Produce.

Ready to make the most of your fresh produce? Start freezing your broccoli today and enjoy the convenience and health benefits it brings to your kitchen.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Long Can Broccoli Last in the Fridge?

Typically fresh broccoli can last for a little more than a week without a seal when stored in the refrigerator.

To ensure your broccoli stays fresh for as long as possible in the fridge, check out our Food Saver vacuum seal food containers to keep food fresher longer.

Can You Freeze Cauliflower?

Yes, you can freeze cauliflower using the same method as broccoli. The key is to blanch it first to preserve its quality; freezing cauliflower after blanching is an excellent way to extend its shelf life and prevent food from discoloring or producing unwanted gases.

Can you freeze cabbage?

Yes, you can freeze cabbage. Because cabbage is a cruciferous vegetable like broccoli and cauliflower, freezing first involves blanching the vegetables to maintain quality. Use our method above for how to blanch vegetables to learn how to freeze cabbage correctly.