How to Store Cauliflower: 3 Ways to Preserve Cauliflower

There are a few different ways to store fresh cauliflower, depending on how you plan to use your cauliflower. Consider the following methods:

1. 1. Store in the refrigerator: When storing cauliflower in the fridge, keep it as moisture-free as possible. Wrap the whole head of cauliflower in a perforated plastic bag, and put it in the crisper drawer to allow air exchange. Placing the cauliflower stem-up will help avoid condensation on the head. Depending on the freshness of your cauliflower, it should last five days. You can also cut up the cauliflower before storing it. Dry the florets on a paper towel, transfer them to an airtight container, and place them in the fridge. Florets can last four or five days in the refrigerator.
2. 2. Freeze your cauliflower: When preparing to freeze cauliflower, it’s a good idea to cut it up first, so you can store the individual florets closer together to preserve them evenly. First, blanch the cauliflower florets by placing them in a large pot of boiling water for three minutes, then directly into ice water. Then, drain the cold water from the florets, arrange them in a single layer on an edged baking sheet, and freeze for a couple of hours. Once frozen, place the florets snugly in a freezer bag and return them to the freezer. Frozen cauliflower can keep for up to a year.
3. 3. Pickle your cauliflower: Another good way to extend the shelf life of your cauliflower is to pickle it in vinegar. You can even make a recipe such as an Italian giardiniera, a salty spread that features cauliflower, and other veggies like hot pepper, celery, carrots, and olives. Pickled cauliflower can also be canned, a process of boiling the packed, sealed jars in hot water before putting them on the shelf, where they will last for years.

Keep the following tips in mind when storing cauliflower:

1. 1. Buy fresh cauliflower. As with any produce, fresh is best. Whether shopping at your local farmers’ market or the grocery store, look for cauliflower that is creamy white with firm green leaves. The cauliflower should be heavy and free of brown spots, discoloration, or blemishes.
2. 2. Skip washing your cauliflower. While you should always rinse off your veggies, with cauliflower, it’s best to wash it before using it rather than before storing it. If you’re going to store your cauliflower in the fridge or the freezer, don’t wash it until you’re ready to use it, whether for a cauliflower soup, cauliflower rice, or simple roasted cauliflower.
3. 3. Add salt to the boiling water. When blanching cauliflower, add a few teaspoons of salt to the boiling water to help preserve the texture of the cauliflower.

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