How to Store Cauliflower So It Won’t Turn Black and Smelly

For a while, cauliflower was the “it” vegetable, appearing in creative ways like cauliflower pizza, rice, and even gnocchi. And while those are fun and creative ways to enjoy cauliflower, it’s just as delicious when simply roasted, baked, steamed, or grilled. Cauliflower is also a great vegetable to cook often because it’s packed with vitamins and minerals and can help support brain and heart health (among other benefits). 

Shopping for the perfect cauliflower is simple once you know what to look out for. When buying a whole head of cauliflower, make sure it’s firm and perfectly cream-colored without any brown spots. You’ll also know cauliflower is fresh based on the color and texture of the leaves—they should be vibrant green and crisp, with no wilting. Another thing to avoid which is probably a bit obvious is that the cauliflower shouldn’t have any type of odor. If it does have a funky smell, you know it’s about to go bad. Keep reading for the best ways to store cauliflower. 

How to Store Whole Cauliflower

There are a few very simple ways to store a whole head of cauliflower with proper humidity and airflow. If your cauliflower is already pre-wrapped, you should loosen the plastic to stimulate airflow and avoid unwanted moisture and condensation. You can also place a whole head of cauliflower in a ventilated plastic bag or a loosely wrapped plastic bag. Choose whatever method works for you, and make sure to always store the cauliflower stem-side up in the crisper drawer of your refrigerator. 

How to Store Cut Cauliflower

Whether you’re buying pre-cut cauliflower florets or cutting them yourself at home, you’ll want to make sure that they’re as dry as possible before storing them in the refrigerator. Use a paper towel or kitchen towel to pat each floret dry, and then place them in an airtight food storage container or a perforated plastic bag. This will help keep moisture out, helping the cauliflower stay fresher for longer.   

How to Freeze Cauliflower

Cauliflower is one of those vegetables that keeps really well in the freezer and tastes delicious when reheated and cooked. For the best way to freeze cauliflower, follow the steps below:

1. Wash the cauliflower thoroughly and cut it into florets. 
2. Blanch the florets in a pot of boiling water for about two minutes, until they’re slightly cooked through. 
3. Shock the cauliflower so it stops cooking. To do this, add the florets to a bowl of ice water for just a few minutes. 
4. Then, pat the cauliflower florets dry and arrange them on a lined baking sheet with enough room between each floret. 
5. Place the baking sheet in the freezer for a few hours, and then transfer the cauliflower florets to a plastic freezer bag or airtight container. 
6. Label the bag with the date and store for up to eight months for best taste and quality. 

Having cauliflower on hand in the freezer is ideal for busy weeknights, or when you need a veggie in a pinch. Thawing is simple—just place the cauliflower in the refrigerator for a few hours to a day to allow it to come to room temperature. If you need the cauliflower sooner, you can either let it thaw on the countertop for a few hours, or pop it in the microwave for about 10 seconds. 

After thawing the cauliflower, your options are endless. You can re-steam the cauliflower for a simple side dish, add it to a hearty salad, make a homemade giardiniera, or transform it into rice for a lighter rice alternative. 

How Long Does Cauliflower Last?

Did you know a whole head of cauliflower can last for over a week when stored properly? As long as the cauliflower is dry and well-ventilated, it can last in the crisper drawer for up to 10 days. Cauliflower florets, on the other hand, have a shorter shelf-life, lasting only about five days in the fridge. If you have leftover raw or steamed cauliflower, you can freeze it for up to eight months and then reheat it at your convenience.