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Purple sprouting broccoli from an allotment harvest

PRESERVING GUIDE

Preserving Purple sprouting broccoli

Pick purple-sprouting broccoli shoots while the buds are closed and the stems are tender; flowering shoots lose the best harvest stage. Take only what you need as plants crop over time. Keep shoots whole and chilled briefly, and use promptly before buds open or stems soften.

Fresh purple sprouting broccoli stored in a refrigerator drawer

Fresh Storage for Purple Sprouting Broccoli

General preservation or storage guidance

Preparation About 5 minutes to sort

Purple sprouting broccoli is best kept as whole tender shoots and chilled promptly so the flower buds stay closed until cooking.

Method

  1. Choose crisp stems with tightly closed purple-green buds; use open-flowered, yellowing or bruised shoots first.
  2. Remove damaged leaves but leave the shoots whole and unwashed. Trim only badly bruised stem ends.
  3. Place loosely in a perforated bag or breathable container in the refrigerator; keep it cool and avoid standing water or condensation.
  4. Check regularly and use before the buds open or the stems soften. Discard slimy or mouldy shoots.
  5. Rinse thoroughly and trim the woody stem ends immediately before cooking.

Storage

Refrigerator in a loose or perforated bag · Use promptly while shoots are firm and buds are closed; inspect regularly

Sources and scope

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