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How Long Does Cauliflower Last? [Shelf Life Guide]

Cauliflower is a vegetable that comes from the cabbage family.

It has a white stalk and green leaves with a light, earthy flavor.

Cauliflower can be eaten raw in salads or cooked in many dishes like fried rice.

The shelf life of cauliflower depends on how it’s stored.

Cauliflower is particularly susceptible to mold if not stored in the refrigerator.

This article will teach you how long does cauliflower lasts as well as how to store it properly.

How to Store Cauliflower Properly?

how to store cauliflower properly

Cauliflower is one of the most versatile vegetables to work with, and it can be stored successfully for up to a week.

You will need an enormous container or bag.

The cauliflower needs air circulation to stay fresh, so don’t seal the container or wrap it tightly in plastic wrap.

Keep the head of cauliflower on at all times when storing because this helps keep moisture from evaporating out of the vegetable’s cells.

It would be best to wash your cauliflower before you store it because any dirt that may have collected during harvesting could lead to spoilage and molding later on.

If you plan to use your cauliflower within 24 hours after washing it, then pat dry with kitchen towels instead of soaking it in water.

A benefit to storing cauliflower is this vegetable can be treated like a bean or potato and kept in the fridge’s crisper drawer.

Cauliflower should not be placed near delicate fruits, such as peaches, because it will emit ethylene gas that could cause these fruits to spoil more quickly than they would otherwise do on their own.

DO NOT store your cauliflower with potatoes; they release different gasses that can react together and create an unpleasant flavor for both vegetables.

How Long Does Cauliflower Last?

how long does cauliflower last

Cauliflower is a low-maintenance vegetable that will stay fresh for a few weeks in your fridge – but if you want to extend its shelf life, keep on reading.

Cauliflower can last from several days to one week.

They typically have a shelf life of three to five days in the refrigerator.

Cauliflower can last up to 12 months if you freeze it whole or by slicing and bagging the vegetable before freezing.

You’ll want to place cauliflower on a baking tray and freeze it for a few hours before placing them in freezer bags.

This helps keep the cauliflower from clumping together as well.

Follow these tips to prolong its shelf life:

  • Cut off any leaves or roots that are brown, wilted, or damaged before storing your vegetable in an airtight container (or bag) with some moisture absorber packets inside of it. These will help ensure that your vegetables stay fresh longer than they would otherwise.
  • If you plan on cooking the cauliflower soon after purchase, cut off any browned or wilted leaves and store the cauliflower in a container with some moisture absorber packets.
  • Thaw frozen cauliflower before cooking them. You can thaw your vegetables by placing them inside cold water, which should only take an hour or so.

How to Tell if Cauliflower is Bad?

how to tell if cauliflower is bad

Cauliflower can be a delicious side, but how do you know if it’s no longer suitable for eating?

The answer is: there are plenty of tell-tale signs to watch out for.

Here are just some of the most noticeable ones.

Suppose it has been refrigerated too long and begins to smell like ammonia or sour milk.

This makes sense as cauliflower doesn’t spoil at room temperature in the same way other vegetables may (such as tomatoes).

The head becomes brownish with spots on its surface which means it’s rotting from bacteria growth inside the core, where moisture collects and turns into mold.

If you notice any slimy, green-colored growths inside the head, then it’s also time to throw out your cauliflower because this means that it is rotting or about to rot.

If you see any of these symptoms on your produce, give them a sniff, and when in doubt, toss it.

However, if none of those above signs are present in the vegetable and still have their firmness (either fresh cut heads or pre-packaged), there’s no need for alarm.

Suppose anything changes with its appearance after being cooked up into something delicious such as mashed potatoes or fried rice.

Then make sure to check again before eating more than what was just prepared.

Longer cooking times will often lead to softer textures, so watch closely.

does cauliflower go bad

How Long Does Cauliflower Last? Does Cauliflower Go Bad?

5 from 1 vote
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Shelf Life
Servings 1 Serving

Ingredients
  

  • Cauliflower
  • Air-tight containers or Ziplock bags
  • Labels and markers

Instructions
 

  • Read the guide thoroughly to learn how long it lasts.
  • Label your container with the content and date and keep track of how much you’re using!
  • Make sure to store in an airtight container in a cool, dark place (pantry or fridge).
Did you make this recipe?Mention @EatDelights or tag #eatdelights!

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