Broccoli is Yellow: Is It Still Edible?

Many wonders if broccoli can still be eaten when it’s yellow. In this practical tip, we explain when the cabbage is still edible, how to store broccoli correctly, and what else to look out for.

Broccoli is yellow – no reason to throw it away!

Broccoli is a real vitamin bomb. The cabbage is rich in calcium and iron, among other things, and should therefore end up on the plate regularly. The mild taste compared to other types of cabbage makes the vegetable quite popular even with children. If yellow spots are forming on the broccoli, you don’t have to dispose of it right away.

• The downside: broccoli doesn’t keep for long. Yellow spots can often be seen on the florets shortly after purchase. This is a clear sign that the cabbage is no longer fresh.
• If only a few florets are yellow, you can still use the broccoli. Remove the dried-out parts and steam the rest of the broccoli as usual.
• If the broccoli is completely yellow, there is no health risk from eating it, but the vegetable has then lost most of its vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
• Tip: Fresh broccoli has not only a crisp green color but also completely closed buds. If the latter is slightly open, this is an unmistakable sign that the cabbage is no longer quite fresh and has taken on a bitter taste.

Store broccoli properly

In order for fresh broccoli to last as long as possible, it should be stored properly. You can find out how to do this in this section.

• Broccoli does not keep for long. When bought fresh, the cabbage will keep for two to three days – if stored correctly.
• The broccoli should be kept in the vegetable compartment of the refrigerator – if possible on its own.
• Especially apples, tomatoes, or bananas in the neighborhood can significantly shorten the shelf life of broccoli due to ethylene gas emissions.
• The cling film around the broccoli protects the cabbage from drying out. At home, you should replace the foil after one or two days.
• Extra tip: The broccoli stays fresh in a vase. Place the cabbage in a jar or vase filled with 1/2 inch of water.
• Put the jar in the fridge. This way, very fresh broccoli can keep for up to a week. Be sure to change the water daily.
• If you want to keep the broccoli longer, you can freeze it. To do this, chop the cabbage and pack the fresh florets in a freezer bag or other container. Broccoli can be frozen for about a year.