| Pantry | Refrigerator | Freezer | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Raw | - | 3-5 Days | 12 Months |
| Cooked | - | 3-5 Days | 12 Months |
| Frozen | - | - | 12 Months |
The Shelf Life of Brussels Sprouts:
Brussels sprouts are a vegetable from the same species as cabbage, thought to be first cultivated in Belgium. They can be eaten raw and cooked for different recipes. They are loaded with vitamins like C and K, and some good amount of B and A vitamins as well.
The shelf life of Brussels sprouts depends on temperature. At 0°C, they have a life of 3-5 weeks. Fresh Brussels sprouts, with outer leaves intact, last for about 3-5 days at room temperature. However, if they are loose and to be used for a longer time, then they must be kept frozen. They can be remained frozen for up to 10 months and a year. Cooked Brussels sprouts can be kept refrigerated for up to 3-4 days. For best taste and nutrients, all vegetables must be consumed fresh.
Purchasing Brussels Sprouts:
While buying fresh Brussels sprouts, you need to check the following things:
- Brussels sprouts should be firm, compact headed and tight. Avoid choosing Brussels sprouts which are loose. The leaves of Brussels sprouts should be bright green in color. It should have its natural fresh odor, not similar to cabbage.
- Try to choose small sized Brussels sprout. Their leaves must have no blemish, holes or any sign of fungus. Avoid those having any sign of yellow colored leaves. Fresh Brussels sprouts can be stored for a much longer time. There should be no bruises on their leaves.
Storing Brussels Sprouts:
If you are intended to store Brussels sprouts for a longer period of time, it is advised not to wash them and store them directly. Avoid washing because washing them will cause to leaves turn yellow faster and causing decay thereby lessening its taste.
They can be stored for up to 3-5 days at room temperature without opening up their leaves or in the refrigerator by keeping them in an airtight container or a plastic bag. Once you have loosened its leaves, it is advised to keep them refrigerated.
How To Handle Brussels Sprouts:
Before cooking Brussels sprouts, wash them thoroughly under running water. Washing will get rid of any dust or impurity on it. Trim it from outside so that inner leaves appear and cut off any yellow leaves and brown parts. Cut off its stem and loosen all its leaves to make them ready for cooking.
If there is any sign of decay, cut it off from rest of the vegetable. You can just loosen its leaves, cut it in half or shred according to your recipe. If you have frozen Brussel sprout, take them out first and allow them to defrost. Afterwards, wash them thoroughly and use. Overcooking of it should be avoided to enjoy its taste and nutrients. Any leftover Brussels sprout should be properly kept in plastic bag and placed in the refrigerator carefully.
Cooking Brussels Sprouts:
Brussels sprouts have many vitamins like K, C, A, B6 and other nutrients. Due to its leafy structure, you can eat them raw in any salad or cooked for any recipe. They are used in different salads all over the world which are simple to make yet healthy.
They can be fried in olive oil and salt to provide you with a healthy and yummy snack. This can be prepared by even children. They are added to pasta, fried, soups or included in Thai and Italian dishes. Its cancer-fighting potential helps to reduce cancer and its chances.