First, check the color of the florets. They should be a bright, uniform green. If they have any yellow or brown spots, that's a sign your broccoli is starting to spoil. If you notice fuzzy white or black patches growing on the florets or the stem, that tells you that mold is starting to form, and it's time to toss it.
If the stem is soft, it has begun to spoil. Jackson also says to avoid eating any florets that have become mushy. The smell test is also an easy one because broccoli tends to give off a very unpleasant odor once it's gone bad. If the broccoli no longer smells fresh, you'll know immediately and shouldn't consume it.
Yellow broccoli is okay to eat, but usually tastes bitter, and in most cases, you'd want to throw it out. If only some florets started to turn yellow, cut them out, and use the rest. Raw broccoli lasts 7 to 14 days in the fridge.
If you are going to eat broccoli that has some yellow spots cut those portions off before cooking. When the broccoli head/crown turns mostly yellow or is brown it's past the point of being edible and should be thrown out or composted. This head of broccoli is a little too far gone to eat.
It might look limp, discolored or wrinkled, all signs that broccoli is going bad. You don't want to see off colors, either. Broccoli should be green, so it's a bad sign if the florets turn yellow or brown. If there are any visible mold spots, or if the broccoli looks mushy, it's definitely time to toss the bunch.
How Long Does Broccoli Last? Both raw and cooked broccoli will last for 3 to 5 days in the refrigerator when stored properly. Blanched broccoli will last between 10 and 12 months in the freezer.
Why Does Broccoli Turn Yellow? As broccoli ages the florets turn yellow due to the break down of chlorophyll - the pigment that gives broccoli and other plants their green color.
Broccoli is rich in sulforaphane, an antioxidant that decreases inflammation by reducing your levels of cytokines and nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB), which are molecules that drive inflammation in your body ( 20 , 21 , 22 , 23 ).
Cruciferous Vegetables
Vegetables like broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage and cauliflower are high in sulfur and can cause bloating and gas. Try some of these vegetables to see if they are easier to digest: carrots, spinach, sweet potatoes, zucchini, green beans, celery and squash.
Some medications are changed and broken down by the liver. Broccoli might increase how quickly the liver breaks down some medications. Taking broccoli along with some medications that are changed by the liver might decrease the effects and side effects of some medications.
Broccoli and cauliflower are difficult for the body to digest — which is why they may trigger symptoms in those with IBS. When your intestine breaks these foods down, it causes gas, and at times, constipation, even for people without IBS.
Other Foods that Can Cause IBS Symptoms
Even some healthy foods can generate digestive discomfort, including beans and cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli and Brussels sprouts, as well as nutritional and weight-reduction supplements.
Researchers found that sulforaphane – a compound found in broccoli (as well as in sprouts and cabbage) – slows the destruction of cartilage in joints. A natural sulfur compound, sulforaphane can prevent joint pain in the same way COX-2 arthritis drugs do, but without the dangerous side effects.
Properly stored, broccoli lasts about three to five days in the fridge—whether it's cooked or raw. Raw chopped broccoli, though, will probably go bad in about two days (so eat up!).
Mold can cause the color of the vegetable to look more yellow or it may have irregular formations in its appearance. If you see that broccoli is affected by mold throw it away immediately and avoid eating it it.
Wrap with a damp paper towel.
You can spritz the broccoli florets with some water from a spray bottle before storing them in the refrigerator. This mimics the mister at the food store, which helps keep produce crisp. After spritzing, wrap the broccoli bunch loosely in a paper towel.
Processed foods, as well as alcohol, can also negatively impact gut health. Prebiotic and probiotic foods like whole grains, onions, garlic, fermented foods, miso and yogurt feed the good bacteria in your gut.
You can have a food intolerance to broccoli and other foods with salicylates. Your symptoms will likely be different from an allergic reaction. You may get: stomach pain.
Certain vegetables cause gas and abnormal bowel habits. Avoid cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, coleslaw and sauerkraut. Also, limit artichoke, brussels sprouts, onions, shallots, leeks and asparagus.