Why does broccoli turn yellow

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Let’s be honest, we have all forgotten about some broccoli in our fridges. It happens to the best of us! Then, after a couple of days, you open the vegetable drawer only to find a yellowed broccoli head! What now?

Can you eat yellow broccoli? Despite what many people believe, yellow broccoli is still completely safe to eat. This type of broccoli is simply a more matured version that has started to lose its color and flavor. So, even though it may be yellow and more bitter, there are still many ways that you can use it!

In this jam-packed article, we will talk about everything you need to know surrounding yellowed broccoli.

This not only includes how it has changed, but also the best way to use it, the best way to better the flavor, and how you can slow down the effect.

Now, you never have to feel guilty about tossing less-than-perfect food! As you will see today, they can be equally delicious!

What Is Yellow Broccoli?

Often when we read articles about “yellow broccoli” or see a recipe calling for it, we instantly become confused? Is there such a thing as yellow broccoli? Is there an entire ingredient we were unaware of?

Well, unfortunately not. Yellow broccoli simply refers to broccoli that is starting to deteriorate. But even “deteriorate” is a strong word. The green broccoli is simply starting to wilt. This stage happens before it starts going bad.

This stage of broccoli is fairly easy to notice. You probably know that broccoli has a firm texture and bright dark green color. The stems, while they are pale and creamy white, are still blemish-free and have a firm texture.

Yellow broccoli first starts appearing as the bright green color fades away.

You will immediately start seeing the edges of each floret becoming lighter in color and eventually turning yellow. Even the stems start getting a more yellow-ish color.

Why Does Broccoli Turn Yellow?

As we have mentioned, yellow broccoli is simply aged broccoli. As all fresh fruits and vegetables do, when exposed to specific conditions (or just inevitable aging) the ingredients start to naturally deteriorate.

This happens at different stages and at different times. The first thing that starts happening is that the chlorophyll starts breaking down.

If you remember anything from biology, you may remember that chlorophyll is the pigment that gives broccoli its bright green color.

So, as the chlorophyll breaks down, the green turns to pale green, and eventually yellow.

After this stage, the broccoli starts to quickly deteriorate and show signs of going bad. This is eventually followed by mold growth, and finally, completely rotting.

Is Yellow Broccoli Safe To Eat?

Yellow broccoli is still completely safe to eat. This stage of deterioration simply indicated the start of the vegetable decomposing. However, it hasn’t started the process yet.

While generally speaking yellow broccoli is completely safe to eat, you should still look out for other signs of deterioration.

Sometimes, other factors may cause things like mold growth, which immediately makes the ingredient inedible, even if it still looks fresh.

Signs Of Yellow Broccoli Going Bad

Yellow broccoli on its own is still completely safe to eat. But, once any of the following signs start appearing, you should think twice about eating it!

• Mold Growth: Once any type of mold starts appearing on your broccoli it is better to avoid eating it. If there is only a bit of mold (in the starting phase of their growth) you can simply cut the moldy piece off and immediately use the remaining parts.
• Discoloration: Sometimes, broccoli skips the yellowing phase entirely and almost immediately starts becoming brown or has black spots on it. This type of broccoli isn’t safe to eat and has started to rot.
• Bad Smell: Off odors are an immediate sign that broccoli has gone off. You should not eat smelly food!
• Un-Firm Texture: As you probably know, when food deteriorates it loses its firm texture. This will make it very unappealing to eat and not pleasant to cook with either.

How Does Yellow Broccoli Differ?

Naturally, the most obvious difference between bright green and yellow broccoli is the color. Yellow broccoli is the color that forms once the green broccoli starts aging (maturing) and the chlorophyll breaks down.

There are also different shades of yellow. The initial color starts forming on the edges of the florets and eventually completely takes over the entire vegetable.

Once the yellow turns to brown or black, the broccoli should immediately be discarded.

Now, while the color can be hidden using certain cooking techniques, the flavor is sometimes extremely prominent. As broccoli yellows, the flavor becomes more bitter. 

Especially during the beginning stages, there are ways to hide the bitter taste. You can use and avoid certain cooking techniques and even add some strong flavoring ingredients.

Best Ways To Use Yellow Broccoli

We prefer using yellow broccoli in recipes where you won’t see the color. If you, as an example, blanch and serve yellow broccoli it won’t look as appetizing and juicy as its’ bright green counterpart.

So, this type of broccoli works well in casseroles, stews, soups, and even bakes.

You can also make deep-fried broccoli pieces that can be coated with a batter, crumb, or fried plain. Try to avoid using it roasted, pan-fried, blanched, or steamed.

Here are some of our favorite ways to use yellow broccoli. These ideas will help hide the yellowed color and soften the texture and flavor.

• Cheesy Bechamel broccoli bake with crispy breadcrumbs
• Panko coated air-fried broccoli bites
• Crust broccoli pasta with bacon bits
• Broccoli and cauliflower butter soup
• Spicy white bean and broccoli stew
• Broccoli and chicken soup

How To Make Yellow Broccoli Better

Okay, so there are a couple of ways you can hide the yellow color of broccoli and its bitter taste.

Use Colorful Ingredients

When using other ingredients (like wine, curry powder, turmeric, or herbs) you can hide the yellow color of the broccoli while adding more flavor. You can even top a broccoli bake with cheese or sauce to hide the color.

This is an opportunity to get very creative and even create interesting flavor profiles.

Balance The Bitter Flavor With Sweet Ones

You can counter any bitter flavors with sweeter ones. This can be added using something as simple as sugar, honey, or syrup. But, you can also use condiments such as sweet mustard, a sweet chutney, jam, or jelly.

Balance Bitter With Acids

You can also balance the bitter flavors by adding a touch of acid, like lemon, like, grapefruit, or vinegar.

While this may sound counterproductive, acidic ingredients are sour, not bitter. So, they won’t be adding that tarty flavor that the broccoli has.

Add A Creamy Fatty Ingredient

Even fatty ingredients like heavy cream, vegan cream, butter, or oil, will help reduce the bitter flavor profile that yellow broccoli creates. This works exceptionally well when making casseroles and soups.

And, some of these ingredients, like cheese or butter, will even help mask the yellow color of the broccoli.

Make A Soup

When making soup, the ingredients are always blended. And, once blended, their color automatically fades.

So, when making a broccoli soup, add some other colorful vegetables to prevent making a yellow soup that doesn’t look appetizing.

How To Prevent Broccoli Turning Yellow

There are many ways that you can extend the shelf life of fresh ingredients like broccoli. Vegetables typically have a longer shelf life than fruits or meats. But, you still need to store them using the most effective techniques.

When using our techniques, your broccoli will stay crisp and fresh for up to 5 days before losing its color and turning yellow. But again, even once your broccoli has turned yellow, it is still good for another couple of days.

So, here is how you can store broccoli the best to prevent it from becoming yellow quickly.

1. Place the head of broccoli inside the plastic bag. Don’t wrap it tightly and just keep the bag loose.
2. Place the covered broccoli inside of the bottom vegetable drawer away from any cooked meats, vegetables, and other smelly foods (like garlic).

Can You Freeze Broccoli?

It is possible to freeze broccoli, however, we don’t highly recommend it.

When freezing fresh fruits and vegetables, it completely breaks down the fibers and causes them to lose their texture when they are thawed. This results in mushy vegetables.

But, we have the best cheat technique to use that will prolong the shelf life of broccoli.

1. Wash your broccoli to ensure it is completely dirt and dust-free. You can also cut it into smaller pieces if you’d like.
2. Then, blanch your broccoli for roughly 15-30 seconds, depending on the size of your pieces. The broccoli shouldn’t be cooked, but it shouldn’t be raw and crisp.
3. Allow the blanched broccoli to completely cool down before placing it inside an airtight container.
4. Wrap the airtight container in aluminum foil and label it. The foil will help prevent freezer burn. Then, freeze the broccoli for up to 3 months. Preferably you should use it within one.

Related Questions

Hopefully, you have learned a lot from the information above. But, here are some other questions that may peak your interest!

Does this article apply to broccoli stems?

Broccoli stems (also known as tender-stem broccoli) are simply another type of broccoli with a completely different appearance (it almost looks like asparagus).

But, these also turn yellow as they mature. So, the above-mentioned information still applies to this specific specie of broccoli.

Can you revive yellow broccoli?

Unfortunately, there isn’t a way to take away the yellow color or turn it back to green.

But, you can have a look at our section above on how to make yellow broccoli better and how to use yellow broccoli.

Can you store yellow broccoli uncovered?

You shouldn’t store any type of broccoli uncovered in the fridge. This will cause it to dry out almost immediately.

Then, not only will you have to deal with a yellowed color and bitter flavor, but a dry texture! 

If you’re looking for some great recipes that feature broccoli in them, check out this great video from the folks over at Tasty!

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