How to Tell if Broccoli Is Bad?

Broccoli is a tasty green vegetable that is used in many dishes. It’s commonly served with cheese or sauce, but it can go great on its own!

Broccoli is a great source of fiber, calcium, iron, antioxidants, and Vitamin C. It has a crunchy texture that adds interest to any meal.

It is a healthy, leafy vegetable that should be eaten in moderation.

It’s important to know how to tell if broccoli is bad and when it needs to be thrown out because it can make you sick. The problem with broccoli is that it doesn’t last long.

You will also need to keep your broccoli very fresh if you want to enjoy it for as long as possible (tips below!)

How to Tell if Broccoli Is Bad?

You can tell if broccoli is bad by looking at the smell, color, and texture. The first thing to check is the odor. If it smells bad or bitter, it probably means broccoli has gone off. Other signs are color changes to yellow or brown and change in texture to soft or slimy.

1. Color of Broccoli

Look at your broccoli. Broccoli should be dark green in color with firm stalks and tightly closed florets.

The leaves surrounding the head should be bright green and attached to the stalk. If you start to notice brown spots or broccoli turning yellow it may have gone bad.

Broccoli will go bad if left too long without refrigeration. If it starts to change color, such as turning orange or yellow, it’s probably gone bad and you should throw it away.

2. Smell of Broccoli

Broccoli should have a light, pleasing smell. Broccoli will start to go bad when it’s left unrefrigerated for too long.

If you notice any foul odors or an unpleasant smell, the broccoli has begun to rot and you might want to rid yourself of the vegetable altogether.

If you are not sure what “bad” smells are, try cutting some of your broccoli off. Put the cut area up to your nose and take a sniff – if there’s no smell or only a faint smell, you can probably continue to eat it.

If it has a strong odor, throw away the broccoli right away!

3. Texture of Broccoli

Feel your broccoli. Broccoli should have a crunchy texture – if you feel that the center of the broccoli is soft or squishy, it has gone bad.

The leaves of the broccoli should be firm and dark green in color. If the broccoli is limp and brown, it has begun to go bad and should be thrown away immediately.

4. Look at the Stem of the Broccoli

Broccoli will go bad if it is not stored properly. If your broccoli starts to turn brown around the stem, you should throw out the whole head of broccoli. 

5. Mold on Broccoli

Broccoli will go bad after it has been cut. If your broccoli starts to show any signs of mold or if the color begins to look strange, throw away what you have left immediately.

How Long Does Broccoli Last?

If you have left your broccoli in the refrigerator, it should last for about one week. It’s important to keep your broccoli fresh and stored properly.

If you leave your broccoli under the right conditions (darkness, cool temperature), it can last longer than a week. Avoid leaving it out on the counter or storing it near heat sources to ensure that it doesn’t spoil too quickly.

If you notice any changes in color, smell, or texture (slimy leaves, brown stalks), then you need to throw out whatever broccoli you have left because it might make you sick.

When in Doubt…Throw It Out!

Read More: How to Tell if Asparagus Is Bad?

How To Prevent Broccoli From Going Bad?

• It is best to buy your broccoli with the root still attached. Fresh, firm stalks are a sign that the broccoli is fresh and has not been sitting on the shelf for too long.
• Keep it away from sources of heat (heat doesn’t go well with broccoli), and store it in a dark area.
• It is best to put broccoli straight into the crisper drawer (in the fridge) and keep it there until you are ready to use it.
• Never store your broccoli near apples or other fruit as these foods produce ethylene gas which speeds up spoilage!
• Store broccoli in tightly closed plastic bags or containers.
• Broccoli will go bad when left out at room temperature for too long, so don’t leave it on your kitchen counter!

If you follow these tips, you should be able to keep your broccoli fresh and good until you are ready to use it.

Final Words

If you want to be sure your broccoli is fresh, here are some helpful tips. We hope this article has helped answer any questions about how to tell if broccoli has gone bad!