Smelly and vegetables with a pungent odor are very unpleasant to cook and consume, especially for those who have a sensitive sense of smell.
Broccoli is one of the most nutritious green vegetables, loaded with fiber. Moreover, broccoli has a beautiful shape and adds color and crunch to stir-fries, gratins, and many other dishes.
It can even be added raw to salads or used for dipping into hummus or guacamole.
However, when broccoli becomes a little old, it develops a strong, sulfurous smell and is only good for the compost heap.
The unpleasantly strong aroma becomes especially pronounced when it’s being cooked and this can put you off making it again. This is a pity because broccoli really is a worthwhile addition to your diet.
If you are wondering why broccoli sometimes smells like gas and want to know ways to get around it, you are in right place. Read on to have your queries answered.
Why Does My Broccoli Smell Like Gas?
Broccoli and other similar vegetables such as cauliflower are cruciferous vegetables that have a high content of sulfuric compounds such as hydrogen sulfides as compared to other vegetables.
The pungent gas-like smell of these vegetables becomes much more pronounced as the vegetable starts to decay.
Hydrogen sulfide is the same gas or compound that gives flatulence its signature unpleasant odor. Due to the presence of the same compound in broccoli, you’ll find the smell very off-putting!
Is It Okay To Eat Broccoli That Smells Like Gas?
Now that you know why broccoli can sometimes smell like gas, the next thing you want to know is if you can eat broccoli that has that signature gas-like smell.
Well, it is NOT okay to eat broccoli that smells like gas as it is one of the signs that shows that your vegetable has gone bad.
There are several other signs too that tell that broccoli isn’t okay to eat such as the appearance.
Old broccoli will start to turn a pale yellow color. It may have some slimy mold on it, a soft stem, a wrinkled texture, and dark, decaying heads.
Fresh broccoli is supposed to smell fresh, have firm, dark green, tightly closed florets, and a sturdy stem. If your broccoli is old, rather throw it out and start with a fresh batch as you may end up with an upset stomach if you eat it.
How Do You Prevent Broccolis From Smelling Bad?
Some people don’t like the smell of even fresh broccoli, cabbage, and cauliflower when they’re cooking.
A solution to this is to add a lemon slice or two to the cooking water. Cook for just a few minutes to retain the crispness.
When storing broccoli, many people keep it in the fridge in a Ziploc bag or sealed container. It’s better not to do this because this vegetable likes circulating air.
Try wrapping it loosely in paper towels. Never wash it before storing it as the excess moisture may cause mold to grow. You can put a lemon in with it as well.
Try not to store it for more than a few days before cooking it. This will ensure crispy, nutritious, delicious broccoli every time.
Another way to store broccoli in the fridge is to treat it like a bunch of flowers. Cut a slice off the bottom of the stem and submerge it in a jar of water. Put it into the fridge like this and it will last for three to five days.
If you know you won’t be using your broccoli quickly, you can freeze it. Cut it into florets and blanch them in boiling water for two minutes.
Drain well then refresh them in iced water. Drain again and pack the florets into freezer bags or containers. Freeze for up to twelve months.
We hope you’ll give this yummy, nutritious vegetable another chance now that you know how to store it correctly. Enjoy!