To know if broccoli is bad, check for these key signs:
- Look for yellowing or brown spots on the florets. Fresh broccoli is bright green; yellow or brown means it is starting to spoil. Small yellow spots can be trimmed, but mostly yellow or brown broccoli should be discarded.
- Inspect for mold, which appears as black or brown dots or fuzzy patches. Moldy broccoli is not safe to eat.
- Smell the broccoli. Fresh broccoli has a mild, slightly vegetal smell. A strong, unpleasant odor indicates spoilage.
- Feel the texture. Fresh broccoli is firm with tightly packed florets. If it feels limp, soft, mushy, dried out, or wilted, it is past its prime.
If broccoli has any of these signs—discoloration, mold, bad smell, or off texture—it is best to throw it away.
