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Is Broccoli That’s Turning Yellow Safe to Eat?

yellow broccoli
Photo: CC0 Public Domain / Pixabay – Inmorino

Wondering whether the yellow broccoli in your refrigerator is still safe to eat? We’ll give you the answer and show you how to keep broccoli fresher for longer. 

Broccoli grows best in cool weather: in the US, it is in season in the spring and fall. But despite being a hardier vegetable, broccoli does not keep well. After just a few days, it begins to lose its verdant green color and turn yellow.

Is broccoli that’s turning yellow safe to eat?

In short: Yes, it is, but it will taste slightly bitter. Also, yellow broccoli does not contain as many nutrients as fresh. Broccoli only needs to be tossed in the compost bin once it starts to get soft and mushy. 

How to Store Broccoli to Prevent Yellowing

Storing broccoli
Without proper storage, broccoli will start to yellow quickly. (Photo: CC0 Public Domain / Pixabay – AllanLau)

Proper storage techniques will keep your broccoli fresher for longer. It also means you won’t have to worry about ways to salvage yellow broccoli. 

Short-term Storage:

Place your green or yellow broccoli in a bowl or wide glass filled with water — the way you would store flowers. Store it in the very back of the refrigerator, so that it stays as cool as possible. 

Long-term Storage:

If you know you won’t use your broccoli before it goes yellow or starts going bad, freezing it is your best bet.

How to freeze broccoli:

  1. Cut the florets into small pieces
  2. Place the pieces in boiling water for about five minutes and then shock it with ice-cold water.
  3. Spread the blanched out on a baking sheet and pat dry with a dishtowel.
  4. Place the baking sheet in the freezer.
  5. When the broccoli is frozen, put the pieces in a freezer-safe container. 

Tip: Broccoli can turn yellow and bad if you do not store it correctly – and the same goes for many other vegetables. The following article will help you to prevent that from happening in your fridge: Storing Food Correctly: 7 Tricks for Vegetables, Fruits and Leftovers

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