Ask the Produce Docs (Commodity)

What happens to the nutritional aspect of Broccoli that has yellowed after a week in  the fridge?  Can we still eat it?  I have always put it into the compost bin.  I get my Organic Broccoli at the Farmers Market 2 or 3 times a week.  But with the economy, I have cut back on my trips and find myself with what seems to be over-ripe Broccoli.  To eat or to compost, that is the question.  (L.D.)

The nutrient content unfortunately degrades every day, at different rates depending on the storage temperature- not on broccoli but on leafy greens. Storage and home cooking can cause quite a large decline in both color and Vitamin C content. Even though it’s yellow it may still have a good amount of fiber, which is also important for digestion. It is probably still ‘safe’ but may not be as tasty or as nutritious!

–Diane Barrett, Food Science