Why is my broccoli turning black? - Ask Extension
I bought a lovely head out broccoli six days ago. I took it out of the fridge today and see that parts of the head are turning black, see photos. Is t...
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Why is my broccoli turning black? #291949
Asked November 28, 2015, 5:39 PM EST
I bought a lovely head out broccoli six days ago. I took it out of the fridge today and see that parts of the head are turning black, see photos. Is this just a discoloration, as I understand happens to cauliflower, or is it getting moldy? Can I eat that part? If not, how much do I have to discard?
Philadelphia County Pennsylvania
Expert Response
This is a food safety issue and as such you should discard the broccoli. Broccoli should be consumed within 2-3 days. If the broccoli was rinsed prior to refrigeration then the washing likely contributed to the development of mold.
Another member of my household bought more broccoli from the same store. She hadn't noticed that it also had black spots like the broccoli above, right from the store. Should we have returned it to the store?
Based on the previous information you submitted about holding the broccoli for 6 days it is likely that the length of time before use is the cause of the problem so there wouldn't be a valid reason to return if still fresh.
To clarify, the black spots are okay to eat as long as the broccoli hasn't been in the fridge too long? The fresh broccoli looked pretty much like the photos of the less fresh broccoli.
your question is one of food safety of fresh broccoli and should be directed to the food safety.gov ask an expert. The following link will provide you the option to call or go on line to have your question answered.
http://www.foodsafety.gov/experts/other/index.html
