Can rapeseed be refrigerated in the refrigerator

Rapeseed can be refrigerated, but attention should be paid to the storage method and time. Fresh rapeseed can delay water and nutrient loss in low temperature environments, but low temperatures or improper storage may lead to leaf frostbite or decay.

Before refrigeration, remove yellow and rotten leaves from rapeseed, wrap it in kitchen paper, and put it in a fresh-keeping bag. Drain the air inside the bag and seal it. It is recommended to control the refrigeration temperature at around 4 degrees Celsius to avoid getting close to the back wall of the refrigerator to prevent freezing damage. Untreated rapeseed stored directly in cold storage is prone to bacterial growth due to condensation water, and leaves may turn yellow and soft within 2-3 days. Some varieties such as Shanghai Qing and Suzhou Qing have strong cold resistance and better refrigeration preservation effect. If water stains or sticky stems are found on the surface of rapeseed, it indicates that low-temperature frostbite or microbial contamination has occurred, and such situations should not be continued for consumption. Rapeseed harvested during high temperatures in summer is more prone to frostbite after refrigeration due to its high moisture content. The use of vacuum sealing or blanching followed by freezing can extend the shelf life, but it may alter the taste.

For daily storage of rapeseed, it is recommended to prioritize whole plant preservation with roots. Removing the roots will accelerate oxidative deterioration. After refrigeration, some of the vitamin C and chlorophyll in rapeseed will be lost. It is recommended to consume them within 3 days. Before cooking, rapeseed can be soaked in cold water to restore its plumpness, but it should not exceed 30 minutes to avoid the dissolution of water-soluble nutrients. For rapeseed that is not consumed in the short term, it can be washed, blanched, and packaged for freezing. It can be stored for a longer time but the texture may become soft.