Whether they ’re on the stalk , shred , or whole , here ’s where and how to store those sprouts .
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Few vegetables have had more of a “ glow up ” in the preceding 30 years than Brussels sprouts . True , its first cousin kale and cauliflower ( yep , they ’re all part of the Brassica family ) are also pop and have totally different report than they did in the ‘ 90s . But Brussels sprouts have go from being the bitter , sad , and sometimes slimy side dish despised by kids to being amildly - flavored , crunchy icon of trendy restaurant menus .
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In addition to on your table while dining out , you may now not only discover Brussels sprout whole and loose at the store , but also in steamable bags and in pre - shredded data format so as little prison term as possible stand in the means of you and you sprouts ( and the vitamins A , atomic number 5 and C , and niacin , branding iron and calcium theycontain ! ) .
Whether youplant and maturate Brussels sproutsor buy them at the store , it ’s rare for home plate Captain Cook to prepare them forthwith after institute them home . So how do you store Brussels sprout ?
Sarah Brekke , M.S.,Better Homes & GardensTest Kitchen sword manager
How to Choose Brussels Sprouts
The first footfall to being able-bodied to store — and eventually cook with and savour — sprouts is to source them . Although Brussels sprouts are a cold weather craw and arein season October through December , they ’re uncommitted at most supermarket class - round .
Look for Brussels sprout that are firm with bright green leaves that are tightly superimposed . ( A few yellow parting here and there are A - OK . ) They should emit a subtle aroma , rather than a strong smell ; an overpowering aroma is a sign that the sprouts are past their prime quantity .
“ Size and color are not quite as important , ” says Sarah Brekke , M.S.,Better Homes & GardensTest Kitchen steel coach . But the sizing can clew you in about the relish : “ Smaller spout tend to be sweeter , while the larger ones have more of a pelf flavor . ”
For even preparation , seek out sprouts that are about the same size . If possible , snag sprouts that are still on the stalk , as these “ tend to be even fresher and last a bit longer , so if you happen to do across these , do n’t pass them up , ” Brekke enunciate .
How to Store Brussels Sprouts
If you buy your Brussels sprouts in a formative grip , it ’s respectable to ditch that since moisture can well build up in the travelling bag . Some sprout are sprayed with urine at the store to make them look fresh and appealing , which is great marketing but is not idealistic for the shelf life of your fruits and vegetables . Others plainly have a bit of moisture from being out of doors , so when you bring Brussels sprouts into your kitchen , pour them out from their vessel and employ paper towels or a clear kitchen towel to chuck them dry . Any excess wet on your sprouts will pelt along up spoilage .
The steps for how to store Brussels bourgeon varies establish on the type of sprout you have , Brekke explains .
Whole
When storing whole Brussels sprout , take them from their original publicity . Pluck off any brown or white-livered leaf ( blemished and moldy leaf can “ infect ” the others , so it ’s best to remove these ASAP ) , pat them try , then remove them to an airtight reposition container or sassy vigour - top bag and place them in thecrisper drawerof your icebox , since this controls the amount of O and moisture ( aka humidness ) . No drawer or space in one ? Simply store your whole sprouts on a shelf in the fridge .
On the Stalk
As we mentioned , if you spot sprouts on the stalk , take reward of this somewhat rare occasion . The stalk assist hydrate the sprout , which helps keep them new longer .
Treat sprouts on the stalk like you do brisk flowers orgreen onion , Brekke counsel . selection and chuck out any wilt leaves or sprout , then pat the rest of the stalk and sprouts juiceless with a unclouded kitchen towel or paper towel . Trim the bottom of the radical , then place it in a tall looking glass of water or mason jar partially - filled with weewee . Store on a shelf in the refrigerator until ready to use .
Shredded or Cut
If you purchase pre - shredded sprout or decided to get a headstart on meal preparation and trim and cut the pieces in advance , dab them dry neat kitchen towel or paper towels , then transfer them to an airtight container or invigorated naught - top bag . Store in your refrigerator ’s crisper drawer ( or a ledge inside the gismo ) .
How Long Do Brussels Sprouts Last?
The flavor of Brussels sprouts tends to get unassailable and less sweet over time , so for the best experience ( and to have the best chance of winning over any fussy feeder ) , aim to run through them within 3 or 4 days .
That being say , if you stash away sprouts according to our best practices , they should rest fresh longer than that :
If your sprouts when they show any of these signs of spoil , it ’s time tocompostor discard them :
How to Freeze Brussels Sprouts
Craving more time than 3 to 14 days ? Put them on chicken feed . According to Brekke , you have two alternative forhow to freeze Brussels sprouts . foot your path found on how much time you have today and how soon you need to use them .
