How do you know if Broccoli has gone bad?

Broccoli has likely gone bad if you notice yellowing florets, mould on the stalk; strong sulphur or sour smell; limp, rubbery, or slimy texture. When in doubt, throw it out.

How long can Broccoli sit out before it goes bad?

Broccoli should not be left out more than 2 hours (1 hour above 90°F / 32°C). Refrigerate promptly.

How Long Does Broccoli Last?

Q: How long does Broccoli last in the fridge?

Broccoli lasts 1–2 weeks in the refrigerator. Store broccoli unwashed and loosely wrapped in the crisper so it can breathe. A little yellowing at the floret tips means use it soon.

Q: Can you freeze Broccoli?

Yes, Broccoli can be frozen for 8–12 months.

Broccoli keeps 1–2 weeks in the refrigerator and 8–12 months in the freezer, according to cited USDA/FDA storage references.

2 cited USDA/FDA/FSIS sources
Editorial review · Verified June 2026

1–2 weeks

Safe range

8–12 months

Safe range

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Based on USDA/FSIS guidance:

Cut vegetables are perishable — refrigerate within 2 hours and use within a few days for best quality and safety.

The cited storage data lists 1–2 weeks refrigerated for this food. Source

Discard broccoli that smells strongly of sulphur or has slimy spots. Blanch before freezing to preserve colour and texture.

How to tell if it's gone bad

Look:Yellowing florets, mould on the stalk
Smell:Strong sulphur or sour smell
Texture:Limp, rubbery, or slimy texture

When in doubt, throw it out. If Broccoli smells, looks, or feels off — discard it. Food poisoning is not worth the risk.

Can you freeze Broccoli?

Yes.Broccolikeeps 8–12 monthsin the freezer when stored in airtight packaging.

Broccoli must be blanched before freezing, or it develops a bitter, off taste and a mushy texture. Cut it into florets, boil briefly, then chill in ice water, drain well, and freeze on a tray before bagging so the pieces stay separate. It keeps 8–12 months. Cook it straight from frozen — don't thaw first — for the best texture.

Full freezing guide →

How to store Broccoli

Keep Broccoli covered in the refrigerator. Use the refrigerator duration shown above for this food state.
Package Broccoli tightly for the freezer and label the stored date. Use the freezer duration shown above for this food state.

Storage tips

Store broccoli unwashed and loosely wrapped in the crisper so it can breathe. A little yellowing at the floret tips means use it soon.

Is it still good?

Enter when you bought or opened it and where it's stored.

Common questions

How long can Broccoli sit out before it goes bad?: Broccoli should not be left out more than 2 hours (1 hour above 90°F / 32°C). Refrigerate promptly.

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