One of the most nutrient-rich vegetables, broccoli is ideal for a healthy diet. But, do you know how to identify spoiled broccoli?
Do you know how to identify spoiled broccoli? Firstly, broccoli is a food with high nutritional power, rich in folic acid, vitamins A, B, C, E and K, potassium and fiber. Furthermore, they are also low in calories. Therefore, it is a vegetable that helps strengthen the immune system, improves vision and prevents vascular diseases.
It even has enough fiber to prevent colon diseases. Therefore, it is a very important vegetable that cannot be missing from a healthy and nutritious diet. However, you need to be careful and know how to identify when broccoli is spoiled.
Because, when spoiled, they lose all their nutrients and can even cause problems for the body’s health. Fortunately, it is very easy to identify when broccoli has lost its natural freshness and is unfit for consumption. Check out.
Spoiled broccoli: how to identify
1- Yellowish color
Firstly, one of the easiest ways to identify bad broccoli is by looking at its color. In short, when it is good for consumption, the vegetable is dark green in color. Also, the cooler it is, the darker it will be.
On the other hand, if it only has a yellowish color at the top, it indicates that the rotting process has already started. However, it can still be used, just remove the yellowed parts and cook the rest.
However, as it has already started to mold, its taste may not be very pleasant. Therefore, in this case it is best to discard the vegetable.
2- Spoiled broccoli: mold
If you notice black or brown spots on the stems, it is a sign of bad broccoli. In short, the spots are called bacterial soft rot 1. Therefore, it indicates that the broccoli has been contaminated by a bacteria, which causes the vegetable to rot. Therefore, the process begins in the stalk and progresses until it completely molds.
Now, if the broccoli has small black spots on the stem or on its leaves, it indicates that the vegetable has been contaminated by a fungus (Alternaria 1 spot). Anyway, in both cases broccoli should not be consumed.
3- Soft texture
Another way to identify bad broccoli is by examining its texture. Therefore, broccoli with a slimy texture means that the rotting process has begun. Therefore, it should not be consumed. While, when it is fresh, the vegetable has a firm texture to the touch.
Likewise, if the stalk is soft and hollow inside, it means it is old. On the other hand, it doesn’t mean it’s bad, but it needs to be cooked as soon as possible. So that it doesn’t rot.
4- Spoiled broccoli: smell
Furthermore, you can also identify spoiled broccoli through its smell. In short, when ready for consumption, the vegetable has a mild odor, characteristic of a fresh vegetable.
On the other hand, if it smells stronger than normal, sour or rotten, it means the broccoli has gone bad. Therefore, they should not be consumed.
How to store broccoli longer
Finally, to prevent broccoli from spoiling and remaining fresh for longer, you should avoid washing it before storing. Therefore, excess humidity makes the vegetable rot more quickly. Furthermore, it is recommended that it be consumed within three days of purchase. This way, you prevent them from spoiling.
Furthermore, you can also follow the following tips to keep your broccoli fresh for longer. For example:
- Always store broccoli in the refrigerator.
- To increase its durability, place it in a glass of water, covering the main stem. So, change the water daily. This way, the vegetable can last 5 to 7 days.
- Another storage option is to place the vegetable in a plastic or zip bag with small holes. This way, air can circulate, keeping them ventilated.
- Do not wash broccoli before storing it. However, if it is homemade broccoli, you need to wash it before storing it in the refrigerator. To remove insects and dirt.
- Furthermore, after washing the broccoli, it is important to dry it well to avoid the appearance of mold.
- Finally, you also have the option of freezing the vegetable to make it last longer.
So, if you liked these tips, read also: How to know if the egg is good – 3 infallible tricks to find out.
