Wondering how to freeze broccoli? Broccoli is tasty, versatile and full of nutrients, so totally worth having to hand in your freezer. Easy to add to stir-fries, soups, or even for snacking, this vegetable can retain its great flavour and crunchy texture – if you blanch it first. Don't freeze broccoli without blanching, as it will develop a bitter flavour and unpleasant, drab texture. Check out the best method to freeze this veggie right below.
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How to freeze broccoli
To freeze broccoli successfully, follow these steps:
1. Clean the broccoli. Do this by submerging the broccoli head in cold water for a couple of minutes. Then rinse.
2. Cut the broccoli florets off the stems. You can discard the stems, but they do taste good, too – you'll just need to peel them with a potato peeler.
3. Blanch the broccoli florets and stems: bring a pan of water to a boil, add the broccoli. Bring back to boil and boil for two minutes. Drain.
4. Transfer into an ice bath until the broccoli is completely cool. Pat dry with a paper towel.
5. Spread over a baking sheet and place into the freezer for a couple of hours. This will prevent the different pieces from sticking together.
6. Transfer into an airtight container or sealed bag. Return to the freezer. The broccoli will keep in a freezer for up to eight months.
