Freezing broccoli is a great way to preserve fresh broccoli for months! If you have extra broccoli from your garden, local farmer’s market or grocery store, you might be wondering how to store it to prevent food waste. Below I’ll share how to freeze broccoli the right way.

To freeze broccoli you only need to wash it, chop it, and blanch for three minutes. Broccoli is then ready to be frozen and stored for up to six months.

We grew beautiful broccoli in our garden this year and I’ve been busy chopping and freezing it! There are many storage options available to you when your garden is full of fresh veggies that need to be stored away for the winter.

I use Ziploc Fresh Produce Bags to store a little broccoli in my fridge, but most of my broccoli is stored in the freezer to retain colour, texture, nutrition, and flavour. Some vegetables can simply be chopped and frozen, but broccoli is one vegetable that needs to be blanched first. Blanching will destroy bacteria and stop the action of the enzymes. I freeze a little every week or two to stay on top of it.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Freezing Broccoli

• Start with fresh broccoli that is dark green. It’s best to harvest from the garden early in the morning before the heat of the day. Avoid broccoli if the florets have started to open and turn yellow.

• Remove leaves and any part of the broccoli that is discoloured. Chop up the broccoli florets and stems. Broccoli stems can be frozen too once they are peeled.

Tools Needed to Freeze Broccoli

• You will need an empty sink to soak and wash your broccoli
• Raw broccoli along with a dash of salt
• A sharp knife and cutting board
• A large pot of water for blanching
• Baking sheet for freezing
• Freezer bags or container for the freezer

Washing and Blanching Broccoli

• Soak the chopped broccoli in cold water for 15 minutes and add a 1/4 tsp salt. This helps remove dirt and any insects that may be hiding. Rinse broccoli under running water before moving to the next step.

• Next you want to blanch the chopped broccoli by adding it to rapidly boiling salt water for exactly 3 minutes. After 3 minutes, remove from heat, strain, and pour broccoli into an ice bath to stop the cooking process. An ice bath helps prevent the broccoli from turning mushy. You can fill your sink with cold water and add ice cubes or use a large pot. Broccoli only needs a minute or two in the ice bath. Strain broccoli so it has a chance to dry.

How to Put Broccoli in Your Freezer

• Lay the broccoli flat on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Broccoli should be in a single layer to prevent it from freezing in large clumps.

• Allow the broccoli to air dry and then put the baking sheet in the freezer for about an hour. Label a Ziploc Freezer Bag with the date and move frozen broccoli from the baking sheet to the plastic bag. Remove air from the bag using a straw or use a vacuum sealer to prevent freezer burn. Place it back in the freezer for storage.

How to Use Frozen Broccoli

When you want to cook with frozen broccoli, just add it to boiling water or throw in the skillet and enjoy!

Try this easy freezing method for your own broccoli if you have a little extra and want to store it away safely. Freezing broccoli is a healthy way to enjoy it all year long!

Be sure to check out our Gardening page for more helpful tips!