Storage
Storing bok choy properly is key in preserving its freshness and flavor. Though most vegetables don’t have an indefinite shelf life, bok choy can last up to five days when stored correctly. In this section, we’ll discuss the best way to store bok choy and how to extend its shelf life.
Refrigeration
It is important to store bok choy properly to ensure it stays fresh for as long as possible. The best storage method for bok choy is in the refrigerator, kept in a perforated plastic bag. If you choose not to use a plastic bag, you can also wrap it in paper towels or a kitchen cloth and then place it in the fridge. Either way, the refrigerator provides an ideal climate for keeping bok choy fresh and crisp – humidity and cool temperatures slow down the rate at which vegetables spoil.
To preserve optimal freshness, the temperature of your refrigerator should remain below 40 degrees Fahrenheit, while maintaining some level of humidity inside the fridge. Bok choy stored this way can last up to two weeks, though it may start to wilt after one week if not used quickly enough. You can also blanch and freeze bok choy if you won’t be able to use it while fresh – this will extend its shelf life significantly.
Freezing
Freezing is a great way to extend the shelf life of bok choy and preserve its flavor, texture, and nutrients.
To freeze bok choy, start by:
- cutting off the ends and washing it under cold running water.
- blanching it in a pot of boiling water for 3 minutes, then submerging into a bowl of ice water for 3 minutes to stop the cooking process.
- spreading them on a baking sheet in an even single layer so that none of the pieces are touching each other.
- placing them in freezer and storing for up to 12 months.
The frozen bok choy can later be used just like fresh ones – you can boil, steam or stir fry it.
Preparation
Preparation is key when it comes to ensuring the freshness and longevity of bok choy. Bok choy is a leafy green vegetable that is best enjoyed when it is fresh and crunchy. Before storing or using bok choy, it’s important to thoroughly wash it and remove any wilted leaves or stems.
After appropriate preparation, you’re ready to start using or storing your bok choy.
Washing
Fresh bok choy should be washed just before use, as it’s highly susceptible to bacteria growth when wet. To ensure safety, rinse the leaves and stems individually under cool running water or in a large bowl of cold water. Gently pat or spin the vegetables dry with a kitchen towel or in a salad spinner.
Tomatoes, avocados and other fruit should also be washed separately from the vegetables due to their higher risk of contamination with dirt and bacteria.
It’s important to avoid using detergents when washing produce as this can be dangerous if ingested and cause skin irritation if touched. Additionally, produce should never be soaked in soapy water as this will increase the chance of bacterial growth.
Once washed, store bok choy in an airtight container lined with a damp paper towel, placing it in the refrigerator where temperatures are low enough to inhibit bacterial growth.
Cutting
Cutting bok choy brings out greater flavor and adds texture and color to any dish. When cutting, work from the stem up and follow these directions for basic cutting techniques:
- Start by removing the outer leaves that may be bruised or withered away. Slice off the stem end with a sharp knife, then cut the bok choy into strips as you would for a coleslaw. Set aside for future use or discard of it is wilting.
- The next step is to split the leaves in half lengthwise into two even pieces. This will unlock more flavor from them when cooked. From this point you can cut each piece of bok choy into small strips (1/4 – 1/2 inch) for stir-frying, small cubes for soups, or large orbs (1 inch) for roasting or braising.
- You can also cut across each leaf in thin slices (similar to slicing lettuce) when making salads to keep the pieces unique and full of flavor.
- Bok Choy can also be left whole if desired and boiled gently until cooked through or steamed over boiling water until just tender before serving as a side dish with other vegetables or proteins such as fish, beef, chicken and pork.
Shelf Life
Determining how long does bok choy last depends on a few factors such as how it was stored and purchased. Generally, bok choy should last approximately one week when stored in the refrigerator. Additionally, proper storage and handling of bok choy can help extend its shelf life.
Let’s dive into the details and explore how long bok choy can last before it needs to be discarded.
Refrigerated
When stored properly, bok choy can last up to two weeks in the refrigerator. To maximize freshness, store unwashed bok choy in a plastic bag with air holes in it. This will guard against bacteria, fungi and moisture. For best results, use within a few days of purchase to ensure optimal flavor and texture. The longer the storage time at colder temperatures, the more intense the flavor will become.
When it comes time to prepare your bok choy, make sure to rinse under cold running water for about 30 seconds before consuming and be sure to discard any brown or yellow leaves before preparing. Bok choy is an absorptive vegetable, meaning it can pick up bacteria from unclean cutting surfaces and preparation utensils or through contact with dirty water during rinsing or cleaning. Therefore, cleanliness is key when handling and preparing bok choy for consumption.
Enjoy your fresh bok choy!
Frozen
When food is frozen, it will remain safe to consume indefinitely. Freezing extends the shelf life of perishable food items and prevents the growth of dangerous bacteria. However, some foods may experience changes in texture and flavor during long-term storage at freezing temperatures. To keep them as fresh as possible, it is important to properly package foods for freezing.
Proper packaging for frozen food should protect it from oxygen and moisture. Glass, plastic containers or freezer-safe plastic bags are good options; however, avoid using paper products because they provide little protection from moisture and odor transfer. Freezer-safe containers should be tightly sealed and labeled with a date indicating when the item was placed in the freezer – this will help ensure that your food remains safe for consumption up to its manufacturer’s recommended shelf life.
To maintain quality longer, you may want to consider storing items in multiple packages of smaller quantities rather than a one large container; this will help prevent thawing or over-ripening due to increased exposure while defrosting individual servings as needed. Frozen fruits such as berries keep their texture best when quickly blanched or frozen whole before packaging; most vegetables requiring a bit of cooking prior to freezing (blanching) in order to preserve their maximum flavor and nutritive value upon thawing.
Tips for Keeping Bok Choy Fresh
Bok choy is a type of Chinese cabbage that is crunchy and full of flavor. It is a popular ingredient in many Asian dishes, making it a popular item to store in the fridge.
To ensure that it remains fresh and flavorful for as long as possible, here are some tips for keeping bok choy fresh:
Wrap in a damp paper towel
Wrapping bok choy in a damp paper towel is one of the best ways to keep it fresh and crisp. This will also prevent the leaves and stems from drying out. Place the paper towel inside a resealable plastic bag, such as a Ziploc® bag, then push as much air out of the bag as you can before sealing to further protect against moisture loss. The towel should be damp but not dripping wet; add water or wet it if necessary. Store in the refrigerator for up to three days.
If you won’t be using the bok choy within three days, it’s best to blanch it before freezing by following these steps:
- Rinse, core and slice bok choy into thin strips or cubes.
- Bring a pot of water to a boil and drop the slices into it for two minutes.
- Next, immediately transfer them into an ice bath (this stops the cooking process and helps maintain color) for another two minutes – this decrease bacteria growth that is present with freezing raw vegetables.
- Finally, remove excess moisture with a kitchen towel and place in airtight containers or freezer bags before storing in the freezer for up to eight months.
Store in a breathable bag
One of the most important steps when it comes to storing bok choy is to make sure you keep it in a breathable bag. Paper or cloth bags are ideal because they allow air to freely circulate around the greens, which helps prevent them from becoming too moist and sweaty. This will keep your bok choy fresher for longer.
Additionally, make sure that the bag you use is not airtight so moisture will be able to escape and bacteria won’t be able to build up. Place your bok choy in the bag with the root end down and place it in the refrigerator as soon as you can after purchase. The cooler temperatures inside your fridge will help slow down spoilage and prevent bacteria from growing, thereby prolonging its shelf life. An added bonus is that your fridge acts as an ideal environment for preserving flavor since cold temperatures slow flavor loss.
Don’t wash until ready to eat
Bok choy stores best when it is still slightly dry, and washing it before you store it can cause it to spoil faster. When you are ready to use the bok choy, wash each piece under cold running water, carefully checking for any dirt or debris. Cut off any root ends or wilted leaves and discard those pieces before cooking. For the freshest and most flavorful result, use your bok choy within a few days of purchase.
For longer storage options, you can:
- Cut bok choy into thin slices and blanch it in boiling water.
- Once cooled, transfer to an airtight container or freezer bag and freeze for up to six months.
- You can also freeze the entire head of bok choy by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap before freezing – this method will give you approximately two weeks of storage time in the freezer.
Uses
Bok choy is an incredibly versatile vegetable – it can be cooked in a variety of ways and added to many dishes. Whether you’re using the baby bok choy or the full-grown variety, you can quickly and easily add it to stir-fries, add it to soups, sauté it with other vegetables, or even eat it raw in salads.
Let’s discuss some of the more popular uses for bok choy:
Salads
Salads are an excellent way to use fresh bok choy (and other leafy greens). Slice the bok choy into strips and combine with cucumbers, tomatoes and fresh herbs or combine with other lettuces in a mixed green salad. Dressings can vary from vinaigrette to creamy dressings made with yogurt or buttermilk. The sweet flavor of bok choy gives salads a unique flavor without overwhelming other flavors.
When making salads, avoid adding salt to the leaves, as it will make them wilt and spoil quickly.
Stir-fries
Stir-fries are the most common use of bok choy. Since they have a very short cooking time, bok choy should be the last ingredient added to the skillet. It is best to stir-fry bok choy in hot oil with garlic, ginger, and other typical stir-fry aromatics added to provide flavor. After that, add proteins like chicken or shrimp and then vegetables like mushrooms or carrots. When all of these ingredients have cooked through, add the bok choy last and toss everything together. Cook it for only a couple minutes before serving for the best texture and flavor.
Bok choy can also be sautéed on its own with with fresh garlic, sesame oil, and soy sauce for a simple yet delicious side dish.
Soups
Bok choy is a versatile vegetable that can be enjoyed in many different recipes. It is popularly used to make soups because of its mild flavor and crunchy texture. It pairs well with a variety of flavors and is one of the main ingredients in famously tasty Chinese soups such as wun tun and egg drop soup.
In addition to being essential for these classic soups, bok choy also works exceptionally well with other ingredients such as ginger, garlic, lemongrass, chicken, pork and black beans. You can combine bok choy with other greens such as spinach or kale to increase the nutrition even further.
Whether you are making soup or another dish with bok choy, you will want to ensure that it is cooked properly in order to maximize its freshness.
