To tell if broccoli is bad, check these key signs: Appearance: Fresh broccoli should be bright green with tightly closed florets. Yellow or brown spots indicate spoilage, and any mold (white or black fuzzy patches) means it’s definitely bad
. Florets that look dried out, shriveled, or have tiny buds starting to bloom are also past their prime
. Smell: Fresh broccoli has a mild, fresh, slightly vegetal or earthy smell. A strong, unpleasant, sulfur-like, bitter, or sour odor means the broccoli is spoiled and should be discarded
. Texture: The stalk and florets should be firm and crisp. Limp, soft, wilted, or mushy stems and florets are signs of spoilage. The cut end of the stalk may look dry or white when starting to go bad. Sliminess is another clear indicator of spoilage
. If your broccoli shows any of these signs—discoloration, mold, bad smell, or soft texture—it’s best to throw it out to avoid foodborne illness
. Tip: If the broccoli is just slightly limp without mold or bad smell, you can try cutting off the dry end of the stalk and soaking it in cold water for a few hours to revive crispness
. In summary, look for bright green color, fresh smell, and firm texture to ensure broccoli is still good to eat
