How Long Do Brussels Sprouts Last?

How long do brussels sprouts last? Brussels Sprouts, despite their interesting name, are a hearty vegetable in both longevity and flavor. Although it looks a tiny cabbage, it has a flavor all its own. The shelf life of brussels sprouts depends upon how and when they were picked and how they are stored.

The best brussels sprouts are green in color and very firm to touch. They grow on a stem and will last even longer when left attached to the stem until ready to use.

Choose a green brussels sprouts and avoid the yellow ones or ones with black spots on them. The smallest sprouts are also the tastiest, as the larger ones will taste more like cabbage. Always avoid any moist, soft or moldy sprouts.

So, how long do brussels sprouts last? When properly stored, the shelf life of fresh brussels sprouts past its picked or purchased date is approximately ...

How Long Does Brussels Sprouts Last?

Brussels Sprouts Expiration Date

Counter Refrigerator Freezer
Brussels Sprouts (Individual) last for 3-4 Days 1-2 Weeks 12-16 Months (blanch first)
Brussels Sprouts - Still On the Stem last for 3-4 Days 2-3 Weeks 12-16 Months (blanch first)

Of course, all foods last for a shorter period of time if they are not stored properly. But remember that brussels sprouts, like a lot of other fresh vegetables, usually do not have a use by date or a best before date so you will have to use the date purchased or date picked.

How to tell if Brussels Sprouts are bad, rotten or spoiled?


The best way to determine if your brussels sprouts are beyond an eat by date is to follow your nose. An old brussels sprout will smell rather harsh, sort of like old cabbage. The smell gets stronger as it ages as does the taste. Older sprouts lose any sweetness and taste rather sour. Some other common traits that may be noticeable before the smell is a browning of the edges of the leaves and a lightening of the green color.

Cut sprouts will begin to turn a grayish black color on any cut edge as they begin to age.


How to store Brussels Sprouts to extend their shelf life?

Brussels Sprouts are best kept in the refrigerator, preferably in a plastic bag in the vegetable drawer. Do not wash the sprouts until you are ready to use them.

If the stem is still attached, then leave them on the stem until ready to use. Pick off as many sprouts as needed and leave the rest attached. The stem can be placed into some water or a wet paper towel for extended storage. Only place the stem into water, and not the individual sprouts.

For a long term storage option, brussels sprouts can be frozen if they are blanched first and then placed into an airtight freezer safe container.


How long are Brussels Sprouts good for when prepared in a dish?

How long do brussels sprouts last? That depends. How long does bacon last? In general, foods last only as long as the quickest expiring ingredient in the dish with which they are prepared.

What are our shelf life resources?


*An important note about expiration dates...


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