Storing Brussels Sprouts:

The following tips will help you with storing Brussels Sprouts:

1. Any wilted or yellow leaves should be gently removed before storing Brussels sprouts.
2. Don’t wash the Brussels sprouts before storing them.
3. Loosely wrap your Brussels sprouts in a paper towel and then wrap in a plastic bag.  Store the plastic bag in the vegetable crisper of your refrigerator.

Brussels sprouts can be stored in the refrigerator for about 2 weeks.

If you can accurately control your storage conditions, storing Brussels sprouts at 32°F (0°C) with a relative humidity of 95 to 100%, will allow you to keep them for up to 5 weeks.  However, it should be noted that the longer Brussels sprouts are stored, the stronger their flavour becomes.  Many people may find the stronger flavour undesirable.

For long term storage, the best option is to blanch and freeze your Brussels sprouts.

Storing at room temperature will quickly turn the leaves yellow.

Ethylene Gas Production and Sensitivity:

Some ripening fruits and vegetables will give off a gas called ethylene.  This gas will cause vegetables and other fruit to deteriorate at a higher rate.  Ethylene gas is produced by some fruits and vegetables at a much higher rate than from others.  Brussels sprouts produce more ethylene gas than most other leafy green vegetables, but they are still considered to be low producers of ethylene.

On the other hand, Brussels sprouts themselves are quite sensitive to ethylene.  When exposed, the leaves will turn yellow and fall off at a faster rate.  Therefore, Brussels sprouts should not be stored together with high ethylene producing fruits and vegetables (like apples).

 

If you found this post useful, or if you have any tips for storing Brussels sprouts, please leave a comment.