How do you know if broccoli is bad?

In this brief guide, we are going to answer the question “how do you know if broccoli is bad” with an in-depth analysis of different ways to spot bad broccoli. Moreover, we are going to discuss the shelf life of broccoli and the proper way to store broccoli.

So without much ado, let’s dive in and figure out more about it.

How do you know if broccoli is bad?

There are a couple of indications that point out that your broccoli has gone bad. You should consider the appearance, color, texture, and smell of broccoli to give a final verdict about whether or not broccoli has gone bad.

Appearance

If you spot mold or any organic growth on your fresh broccoli then it is an indication of bad broccoli and you should discard it. 

Moreover, if you spot white mold on your cooked broccoli then it is an indication that your cooked broccoli has gone bad and you should discard it.

Color

If you notice that there are black or brown colored spots on the head of your broccoli then it is better to cut them out. But if the dark spots are very large then you can discard the whole broccoli. 

If the otherwise green florets of the broccoli turn yellow then it is the indication that broccoli is past its prime time.

Texture

If you notice that the broccoli has become mushy or limp then it is better to discard such broccoli as it has gone bad. Moreover, if you notice something slimy when you touch broccoli then you should discard it.

Smell

If you smell an off-smell, putrid or sulfur-like smell when you take a sniff test then it is better to get rid of such broccoli.

How long does broccoli last?

Fresh broccoli

Fresh broccoli lasts for about 4-7 days if it is stored properly in the fridge at or below 40 degrees Fahrenheit. 

Cooked broccoli

Cooked broccoli lasts for about 3-5 days when it is stored properly in the fridge at or below 40 degrees Fahrenheit.

On the other hand, cooked broccoli lasts for about 2 hours at room temperature. Bacteria grow at a faster pace between 40 and 140 degrees Fahrenheit therefore it is recommended to discard the cooked broccoli that is left in open for more than 2 hours as there is a great chance that the bacteria would have already spread over it and would have spoiled it.

If the outside temperature is 90 degrees Fahrenheit then cooked broccoli lasts for only about an hour when left out in the open. 

It is worth mentioning that these figures are just the estimated shelf life of broccoli and within this time you can enjoy the best quality of the broccoli.

Can you freeze broccoli?

Yes, you can freeze broccoli but it is worth mentioning that you will notice a change in the texture of the frozen broccoli once it is thawed. Broccoli lasts for more than 3 months (sometimes even a year) when stored properly in the freezer. 

So what you gotta do to freeze broccoli is to wash the broccoli thoroughly and cut the broccoli head into florets. Now blanch them by putting them in boiling water for 2-3 minutes and afterward cooling them in the ice-cold water. 

Afterward, drain the water and pat dry the broccoli. Line broccoli on the cookie sheet and let them freeze. Once they get frozen, transfer them to the plastic freezer bag and store them in the freezer.

In case of cooked broccoli, let the broccoli cool and afterward put it in the plastic freezer bag and store it in the freezer.

Now when you want to thaw frozen broccoli, you can either thaw them by leaving them in the fridge overnight or you can defrost them in the microwave or a bowl of cold water.

How to properly store broccoli?

1. Fresh as well as cooked broccoli should be stored properly in the fridge.
2. In the case of fresh broccoli, when you are going to refrigerate it, what you can do is to put it in a perforated plastic zipper bag wrapped in a damp paper towel. In case you do not have a perforated plastic bag what you can do is when you are going to seal the simple plastic zipper bag, leave some space open to make sure that it gets the required steady airflow. 
3. You should let the cooked broccoli cool thoroughly before storing it in the fridge in an air-tight container or plastic zipper bag.

Other FAQs about Broccoli that you may be interested in.

Can you boil broccoli and cauliflower together

Can you eat broccoli without a gallbladder?

How to store broccoli?

Conclusion

In this brief guide, we answered the question “how do you know if broccoli is bad” with an in-depth analysis of different ways to spot bad broccoli. Moreover, we discussed the shelf life of broccoli and the proper way to store broccoli.

Citations

How Long Does Broccoli Last?