Why does broccoli turn yellow? - Más Brocoli (2024)

Broccoli is a fresh food and, therefore, perishable. Given that its shelf life is limited, we should consume it sooner or freeze it if we’re not going to cook it in the days following its purchase. But do we know how to choose the best one when bringing it home? How soon should we consume it? What does it mean when it turns yellow?

Let’s start from the beginning. When bringing it home, it’s advisable to select a piece that is shiny, with a uniform intense green color, and not bruised or damaged. Once at home, we should store it in the refrigerator without washing it beforehand. This is important as washing it may accelerate its deterioration. It’s better to cover it with plastic wrap and place it in the vegetable drawer. That’s it.

Now, the million-dollar question: How many days should we consume it? Ideally, we should not leave it for more than five days because after that time, it starts to turn yellow. When this happens, it means it’s time to use it without further delay as progressive food deterioration is occurring, along with the possibility of gradual growth of microorganisms.

For the above reason, if we’re not going to consume it immediately after purchase, freezing is advised to ensure it won’t turn yellow or spoil. To do it correctly, we should blanch it for about three minutes. Then, once cooled, place it in a freezer bag, and that’s it. You can use it directly from the freezer for any type of preparation.

How can we prepare broccoli before it begins to spoil? Well, there are plenty of simple recipes you can take advantage of! On our website, we show you different ways to cook it every week. Here are some summarized for you:

• Boiled. Cut the florets, wash them, and boil them in boiling water for 3 to 5 minutes. They should be “al dente” and not too soft for better taste.
• Baked. Place broccoli florets and cut stems in sticks on an oven-proof tray, add a drizzle of olive oil and salt. 20 minutes at a medium temperature will be enough. You can add spices to taste: pepper, basil, oregano, parsley…
• Raw in salads or couscous. This cooking method requires an even more thorough wash to avoid intoxication, but it’s worth it for both its taste and properties.
• Grilled. In this case, it’s better to slice it thinly. Then, cook in a pan with olive oil for 5 minutes. A little iodized salt and spices, and you’re done. Easier impossible.
• In creams, purees, or soups… Especially ideal for consuming frozen broccoli.

What do you do when broccoli turns yellow? How do you store it when you get home?

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