How to Wash Brussels Sprouts So They're Safe to Eat and Stay Fresh Longer Learn the simple way to clean this popular cruciferous vegetable. Close Credit: Getty Images Key Points Always wash Brussels sprouts right before cooking—washing them too early can trap moisture and promote spoilage.A quick rinse under cool water (or soak in a bowl) is enough to remove dirt—no soap or special solution needed.Dry sprouts thoroughly before cooking to prevent sogginess and ensure better texture. Brussels sprouts are one of the stars of the autumn produce scene. The compact little cabbages are delicious fried, roasted, shredded for salad, and more. But first, you need to know how to prep them, and how to wash them is an essential step. You'll be pleased to know that despite their compact layers of frilly leaves, Brussels don’t tend to hold onto as much dirt and grime as some other vegetables—we’re looking at you, leeks. Sometimes the outer leaves can become coated in soil, but it is nothing that a good rinse in cool water won't solve. We spoke with a food safety professional and a chef to learn how to properly clean and store sprouts so that they will last as long as possible and be perfectly safe to eat. Darin Detwiler, LP.D., M.A.Ed., leading expert, author, and professor in food safety, consumer protection, and regulatory policy at Northeastern University Olivia Roszkowski, chef-instructor of Health-Centered Culinary Arts at the Institute of Culinary Education Yes, There Is a Right Way to Wash Lettuce—Here's How to Do It Brussels Sprouts Season Brussels sprouts can be a rather divisive. We love them and think they are one of the most delicious and versatile cruciferous vegetables around but some people aren't fans of these mini cabbages. While you can often find them year-round in stores, they are at their peak during the fall and winter months, since they’re a hearty vegetable that can withstand cold drops in temperature. Like any vegetable, it’s important to clean Brussels sprouts before cooking and enjoying them—and it’s not as hard as you might think given all their tighly folded layers. How to Clean and Store Brussels Sprouts According to Darin Detwiler, L.P.D., M.A.Ed., author and professor in food safety, consumer protection, and regulatory policy at Northeastern University, no produce is completely risk-free when it comes to contamination that can cause foodborne illness, so following proper procedures is of the utmost importance. Olivia Roszkowski, chef-instructor of health-centered culinary arts at the Institute of Culinary Education, adds that since Brussels sprouts are part of the cruciferous vegetable family, they contain very little water content compared to other produce, which gives them a longer storage life and makes them more resilient, both before and after cleaning. Storage Detwiler recommends washing produce like Brussels sprouts right before you intend to use them, as it is generally safer from a food safety perspective. “Moisture from pre-washing can promote microbial growth during storage, especially if sprouts are not dried thoroughly and stored in airtight containers,” he says. The best practice is to store unwashed sprouts in the refrigerator in a perforated bag in the refrigerator’s crisper drawer, and wash them right before cooking. This minimizes the risk of cross-contamination and spoilage. Avoid storing Brussels in sealed plastic without ventilation, as it can trap moisture and encourage microbial growth, says Detwiler. Washing All that’s needed to wash sprouts is to rinse them well under cool running water. “If the sprouts are particularly dirty, use a produce brush to remove any dirt and grime,” says Detwiler. And if there are any loose or damaged outer leaves, go ahead and pluck those away (sometimes it helps to trim the stem end a bit to loosen the leaves further). If you want a more thorough wash, Roszkowski says the best method for cleaning is to use a kitchen strainer or salad spinner. Fill a large bowl (or the spinner bowl) with cool water, then submerge the sprouts and let them soak for a few minutes. “Any dirt or sand should sink to the bottom and remain when you lift the strainer out of the water,” she says. Roszkowski says that if the sprouts have any residual dirt, you can give them a second rinse until the water runs clear. Additionally, give them a second rinse once they are halved or sliced for good measure. Don't Miss How to Wash Every Type of Vegetable, According to Food Safety Experts How to Store Fresh Herbs So They Last Longer Dry Use a clean dish towel or a few paper towels to pat the sprouts completely dry, says Detwiler. Roszkowski likes to utilize the salad spinner again to remove any moisture clinging to the vegetables. Drying is important: Whichever technique you use, the Brussels will be more pleasant to eat and much easier to cook with without the excess moisture. If you do have to wash your sprouts a day or so in advance of cooking, the most important thing you can do is make sure they are fully dry before storing them in the refrigerator in a ventilated container. Cover them with a dry paper towel to make sure any drops of excess moisture are soaked up. Explore more: Food & Cooking Cooking How-Tos & Techniques Food Storage