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Home » Storage » How To Tell If Broccoli Is Bad

How To Tell If Broccoli Is Bad

Published: Dec 3, 2021 · Modified: Aug 18, 2022 by Dani ·

Does broccoli go bad and how do you tell if broccoli is bad? This article will teach you how to determine whether or not broccoli has gone bad, as well as provide some tips on preserving the vegetable so that it stays fresh for longer.

a hand holding a broccoli by its stem.

Broccoli is one of the most popular vegetables in every household, and it's a common side dish that is loved by both children and adults. It is a rich source of vitamin C and a good source of dietary fiber. It also contains important nutrients such as vitamin K, potassium, and magnesium.

However, like every other foodstuff (vegetable), broccoli too has a shelf life. If it is not stored or cooked properly, the nutritional value of broccoli diminishes and it might even cause food poisoning. So knowing how to tell if broccoli is bad and how to store it will help you make the most of this tasty green vegetable.

Related articles: how to tell if lettuce is bad and do apples go bad.

cooked broccoli in a skillet.

How to tell if broccoli is bad

There are different ways to check for the freshness of your Cruciferous vegetables

Sight & color: The best way to tell if broccoli is bad is to look at the color of the florets. If they are dull, faded, or have black or yellow spots on them, then it is bad. Also, if there is a sign of mold (hazy grey and black florets), it is definitely not safe to eat.

When fresh, the flower buds on the head of broccoli are tightly closed and dark green or purple in color. If the florets have begun to open and show yellow color, this means that your broccoli has expired.

Texture: Fresh broccoli will be firm to touch and have a bright green color throughout the stems and florets themselves. A wilted appearance means that your broccoli has been exposed to too much heat or light which causes it to wilt and fade in quality. Small brown spots may be present but should not spread throughout the entire vegetable.

Smell and sniff: Fresh broccoli should smell fresh and mild, and not pungent. Spoiled broccoli will smell unpleasant and may even be accompanied by a slimy texture when touched.

Use the "sniff" test: your nose is usually pretty good at detecting when food has gone bad! If in doubt, you can always do the sniff test.

a head of broccoli.

Storing Broccoli

As with most fresh vegetables and fruits, washing and drying them thoroughly before storage is very important.

To do this, separate the florets from the stems of broccoli and wash them in cold water. You can use a vegetable brush to scrub off any dirt or pesticides. Dry them with a clean towel and store them in the fridge in an airtight container or zip-lock bag.

The best way to store broccoli is to place it in the fridge as soon as you get home from grocery shopping. If you cannot cook it immediately, wrap it loosely with a paper towel to absorb excess moisture and store it in the crisper compartment of the refrigerator.

Keeping your broccoli dry is very important because moisture encourages bacteria growth which can cause it to spoil quickly. If you find that there are excess droplets on the exposed parts of the florets after washing, pat them dry with a paper towel.

Broccoli can also be blanched and stored in the freezer for up to 1 year to prolong its shelf life.

broccoli florets on pasta in a pot.

FAQs

how long does broccoli last in fridge

Depending on whether it is cooked or raw, broccoli is a highly perishable vegetable and it does not have a very long shelf life. It generally lasts between 3-5 days in the fridge. If cooked, then store in the fridge for up to 3 days or longer at your discretion.

What happens if I eat bad broccoli?

If you eat spoiled broccoli, it can cause food poisoning, which may lead to stomach upset.

How long does broccoli take to cook?

Broccoli takes between 10-25 minutes to boil depending on the type of cooking method being used.

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