How Long Does Cauliflower Last In The Fridge?

This article may contain affiliate links and if you make a purchase after clicking on a link, we may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you.

If there were cauliflower head discount sales at the farmer’s market and you decided to treat yourself to one too many of this healthy and versatile vegetable, you need foolproof storage methods to keep your veggies fresh.

One of the things you could do is store the vegetable in the fridge, but how long does cauliflower last in the fridge?

Well, fresh cauliflower can last in the fridge for 2 to 4 weeks before it begins to go bad, depending on the condition of the cauliflower.

How Long Does Cauliflower Last In the Fridge?

Like I said earlier, fresh cauliflower can last for up to 2 to 4 weeks in the fridge; cooked cauliflower, however, has a shorter shelf life.

Fresh cauliflower can be stored at room temperature for about 2-3 days. But if you live in a humid region with a room temperature higher than average, the cauliflower head may last just a day.

As already mentioned above, fresh cauliflower lasts in the fridge for up to 2 weeks, depending on the state of freshness when purchased.

Read Also: How Long Do Unripe Avocados Last In The Fridge?

Cauliflower can be stored in the freezer for up to 8 months. But remember to blanch the vegetable before storing them properly.

Cooked cauliflowers can be stored in the fridge for 4 to 5 days and should be kept in an airtight container.

How To Store Cauliflower The Right Way

How Long Does Cauliflower Last In The Fridge

You can store cauliflower at room temperature but keep it away from direct sunlight and other heat sources. They can be stored in their original packaging until you need to use them.

If the vegetables have been chopped into halves or smaller pieces, store them in a container and cover them with cling wrap.

Cauliflower heads can be stored whole, or you can cut them into florets. Skip washing the vegetable if it’s going into the fridge. Washing the cauliflower before storing it in the fridge can make the vegetable mushy.

You can store whole cauliflower in their original plastic wrapping, but you might want to poke a few holes on the packaging, so it is not too tight and cause spoilage. You can store packaged whole cauliflower heads in the crisp drawer of the fridge.

Place cauliflower florets in a plastic bag with holes poked in them, then transfer to the fridge. They can also be stored in an airtight container. But make sure to securely shut the lids, so the vegetable doesn’t lose its moisture and dries out.

Read Also: Does Putting Bananas In The Fridge Ripen Them?

Cooked cauliflower can be placed in an airtight container, sealed tightly, and stored in the fridge as well.

How To Keep Cauliflower From Going Bad

After harvest, it’s a literal countdown for your vegetables, so when left at room temperature for too long, cauliflower will start to go bad pretty.

Cauliflower needs to be stored at a cool temperature if you want to keep the vegetable from going bad quickly.

To store cauliflower longer than two days after being harvested (which is the recommended length of time you should allow your cauliflower to sit at room temperature), you can use the fridge.

How To Tell If Cauliflower Is Bad

There are certain telltale signs that appear on a cauliflower head when it begins to go bad. Here are some of the signs to look for:

1. Change In Texture

Fresh cauliflower naturally has a firm feel. So, if you notice your vegetable is soft or slimy to touch, the cauliflower has passed its useful days and should be thrown away.

2. Mold Growth or Discoloration

A safe cauliflower should lack any large black or brown discoloration; check the vegetable for any sign of mold or dark spots. If you notice some dark spots on the vegetable, you can cut out the dark areas and use the rest.

However, if the cauliflower is largely covered with mold or dark spots, you may need to throw it out. Cauliflower that is covered with mold and spots will taste bad and can make you sick.

3. Offensive Smell

Fresh cauliflower that is safe to eat should have a neutral smell. If the vegetable has a rotten or an off smell, dispose of the entire vegetable.

If your cauliflower is cooked, the sign of mold growth and a rotten smell is an indicator that the cauliflower is going bad.

Read Also: Can You Put Banana In The Fridge?