Can broccoli be canned?
James Craig
Published Jan 24, 2026
For starters, broccoli doesn't survive the canning process intact. According to the USDA's guide for canning vegetables, in order to kill off any bad bacteria most vegetables need to be boiled, placed in cans, and then heated again to make sure nothing bad survives. They don't mess around when it comes to botulism.
Can broccoli be pressure canned?
As a low acid food these vegetables would need to be pressure canned and there are no scientifically tested recipes for canning broccoli or cauliflower as a plain vegetable. Additionally, at the higher temperatures achieved during pressure canning the product would soften to the point that it would not be palatable.
How can you preserve broccoli?
Lay the broccoli in a single layer on a parchment paper-lined sheet tray or plate. Place in the freezer until completely solid, 1 to 2 hours. Once frozen, transfer to a plastic container or resealable freezer bag. The broccoli should stay fresh-tasting and free of freezer burn for 6 to 8 months.
How do I can broccoli?
Once all the broccoli is cut up, place it in boiling water (affiliate link) and boil it for 3 minutes. Then pack the hot broccoli into hot, sterilized canning jars (affiliate link). Cover the broccoli with the hot water (affiliate link) it was boiled in, filling each jar so there was just an inch head space at the top.
Can broccoli and cauliflower be canned?
There are no scientifically approved methods for canning broccoli or cauliflower as a plain vegetable. Because both are low acid foods, they would need to be pressure canned. The higher temperature of pressure canning would cause the product to soften to the extent that is would not be palatable.
28 related questions foundWhat vegetables can not be canned?
The vegetables you should avoid canning are:
- Broccoli.
- Brussel Sprouts.
- Cabbage.
- Cauliflower.
- Eggplant.
- Summer Squash.
- Olives.
- Lettuce.
What vegetables can be canned?
Canning Vegetables and Vegetable Products
- Asparagus, Spear or Pieces.
- Beans or Peas – Shelled, Dried, All Varieties.
- Beans, Baked.
- Beans, Dry, With Tomato or Molasses.
- Beans, Fresh Lima--Shelled.
- Beans, Snap and Italian – Pieces, Green and Wax.
- Beets – Whole, Cubed, or Sliced.
- Carrots – Sliced or Diced.
How do you preserve broccoli and cauliflower?
Store broccoli and cauliflower unwashed in an open plastic bag in fridge. Don't store on the counter. Use within 1 week. Store brussels sprouts in the refridgerator in a container without a lid to keep for several weeks.
Can broccoli be dehydrated?
Dehydrating is a great way to preserve your gardens summer harvest of broccoli. By dehydrating it, you can have broccoli whenever we want, without going shopping or buying out of season. The process is easy, and you are left with dried produce that takes up very little room and can be stored for months.
How do you preserve cruciferous vegetables?
To avoid mealy tomatoes, brown eggplants, or mushy cucumbers, keep these on the counter out of sunlight — not the refrigerator. Leafy greens, cruciferous veggies (like broccoli and cauliflower) and root veggies (like carrots and celery) are best kept in the moist and cool fridge.
How do you store broccoli long term?
Stash the broccoli in a cold part of your refrigerator — like the crisper drawer — preferably away from fruits and that produce excessive ethylene gas like apples. If there's no room in the crisper, store it on a shelf near the back of the fridge.
Can I freeze uncooked broccoli?
Broccoli — florets and stems — must be blanched for effective freezing. If you freeze it raw, you'll wind up with bitter, drab green, shriveled stems. Blanching preserves the bright green color and tasty flavor. You can either blanch in boiling water for three minutes or steam for five minutes.
How do you keep broccoli fresh for a week?
Place your broccoli stems into a bowl or container with a half-inch of water at the bottom. The broccoli heads should be sticking out of the container. Cover the heads loosely with plastic wrap and place them in the refrigerator. Change out the water each day, and the broccoli will keep for a week in the fridge.
Why can broccoli be canned?
Broccoli Breakdown
According to the USDA's guide for canning vegetables, in order to kill off any bad bacteria most vegetables need to be boiled, placed in cans, and then heated again to make sure nothing bad survives. They don't mess around when it comes to botulism.
What can I use if I don't have a pressure canner?
A normal large stock pot and lid from your kitchen can totally work for canning purposes. The only kicker is that it must be deep enough to cover the canning jars with at least two inches of water.
What veggies are best for canning?
The best vegetables for canning, preserving and eating any time you want
- Carrots. ...
- Corn. ...
- Cucumbers. ...
- Green beans. ...
- Okra. ...
- Peaches. I know. ...
- Peppers. Blister or boil peppers so you can remove the skins. ...
- Tomatoes. Yes, I know I already mentioned this, but it's worth bringing up again.
How do you dehydrate cooked broccoli?
Arrange blanched broccoli in single layers on drying trays. Dry at 140 degrees F (60°C) in an oven or dehydrator. If necessary, turn large pieces over every 3 to 4 hours during the drying period. Vegetables can scorch easily toward the end of drying, so monitor more closely as drying nears completion.
How do you dehydrate broccoli and cauliflower?
To dehydrate broccoli and cauliflower florets first wash and blanch them. Then cut into bite-size pieces and arrange on the dehydrator tray. Dehydrate at 125°F for 8-12 hours or until the stems are fully dry and crispy. Once fully dry, let the dehydrated stems cool before your store them away.
How long can you keep dehydrated broccoli?
Properly dried, conditioned, and stored, dehydrated broccoli should last at least 1-2 years, you're likely to get more. But remember, texture and quality will begin to degrade over time. Dehydrated foods are best used in that 1-2 year window for best results. Learn more: Proper storage of dehydrated foods.
Can I freeze cabbage and broccoli?
Put in freezer safe zip top bag, seal and freeze. Baring any freezer burn, broccoli should last up to one year in the freezer. While cabbage is typically a summer vegetable, it can be procured year round in many places around the globe.
What vegetables can I freeze raw?
You can freeze almost anything.
The best vegetables to consider are corn, peas, broccoli, cauliflower, carrots, green beans, squash and winter greens such as spinach, kale, chard and collards. Onions, peppers, celery and herbs can also be frozen.
What veggies can be frozen without blanching?
Corn, peas, broccoli, cauliflower, carrots, green beans, squash, and winter greens such as spinach, kale, chard, and collards can be frozen raw. Some might need a little preparation like onions, peppers, celery, and herbs.
How do you preserve vegetables in mason jars?
When vegetables are raw packed, they are cleaned but not heated. Then, they are simply added to the jar, and the jar is filled with boiling water. Fill the jar with freshly prepared, unheated vegetables, making certain to pack the jar tightly because the vegetables will shrink during the canning process.
Can you can vegetables from the grocery store?
Unless you are pickling them, all vegetables must be canned using a pressure canner. Some vegetables, like pumpkin, should never be canned at home at all. All fruits and pickled vegetables can be safely canned in a boiling water bath. Always start with hot, sterilized jars and lids.
What vegetables can be canned in a water bath?
Water-bath canning is only for produce that is HIGH in acid. We're talking about tomatoes, berries, fruit, sauerkraut, and pickled vegetables. This means water-bath canning is for making jams, jellies, and pickled veggies.