How to Wash Broccoli So It’s Clean and Safe to Eat

If you’re perusing the produce department at most grocery stores, you may have noticed the fancy water misters that go off every few minutes. However, while the delicate water mist may keep fruits and veggies looking fresh and vibrant, those misters are not actually cleaning anything. 

Speaking of produce, broccoli, just like any fresh fruit or vegetable, is likely covered with pesticides, containments, bugs, and dirt, which is why it’s so important to not only wash it, but to clean it the right way. Cleaning each floret of broccoli might seem like a tedious task, but there are a few methods that work well and only take about 5 minutes or less. Keep reading to learn how to wash broccoli.

How to Wash Broccoli

There are a few ways to properly wash broccoli, and it all depends on your preference and how much time you have. If you’re in a pinch, washing broccoli under cold, running water is the quickest method, but if you want to thoroughly clean it, a vinegar solution or water soak might be your best bet. 

How to Wash Broccoli Under Running Water

The simplest way to wash broccoli is to rinse it under water in your kitchen sink. Here’s how to do it:

1. Hold the broccoli by the stem with the head pointing down.
2. Run cold water through the entire head of broccoli, until every crevice has been rinsed.
3. Pat the broccoli dry with a paper towel or kitchen towel, and cut it into florets before preparing. 

Note: if you’re washing broccoli florets, simply put them in a colander and run cold water on them until they’re clean. 

How to Wash Broccoli in a Vinegar Solution

Some people prefer to wash their broccoli in a vinegar solution because it helps to remove bacteria and contaminants. Here’s how to do it:

1. Mix 1/3 cup of white vinegar and 2 ½ cups of cold water in a bowl.
2. Soak the broccoli in the vinegar solution for about 2 to 5 minutes, until all of the dirt comes off.
3. Rinse the broccoli under cold running water to remove any of the remaining vinegar solution. 
4. Pat the broccoli dry with a paper towel or kitchen towel before cooking it. 

Note: If you don’t have white vinegar, you can also soak the broccoli in just a bowl of cold water. Additionally, you could also make a vegetable cleaning solution with ¼ cup baking soda and a gallon of water. 

How to Store Broccoli 

The key to keeping fruits and vegetables fresher for longer is all about how they’re stored. In fact, broccoli can last for nearly a week in the refrigerator when it’s placed and stored in the right container or bag. 

If you ever find yourself with tons of extra broccoli or you just want to always have some on-hand, freezing broccoli is also a great option. Broccoli can last for up to a year in the freezer, and freezing is a cost-efficient and convenient way to have greens at a moment’s notice for frittatas, stir-fries, and soups.