Why Does My Broccoli Smell Bad?

Emma Christensen
Emma Christensen
Emma is a former editor for The Kitchn and a graduate of the Cambridge School for Culinary Arts. She is the author of True Brews and Brew Better Beer. Check out her website for more cooking stories
updated May 2, 2019
pinterest
comments
We independently select these products—if you buy from one of our links, we may earn a commission. All prices were accurate at the time of publishing.
Post Image
(Image credit: Apartment Therapy)

Q: Has anyone had issues storing cooked broccoli? I pack mine in an airtight container, but find that this gives the broccoli an unpleasant odor and texture.

Usually I lightly boil my broccoli for two minutes and then cool them before storing. Do you have any suggestions on how I can properly cook and store broccoli to prevent this from happening?

Sent by Olivia

Editor: Definitely make sure your broccoli is completely cool before snapping on that lid and putting the container in the fridge. If the broccoli is still warm at all, it will continue to steam in the container and this might result in the weird odor and texture you mention.

Take a look at our broccoli tutorial and see if there might be some new tricks you can try:

• How to Cook Broccoli

Readers, what other suggestions do you have?

Next question?

Related: Two-Hour Broccoli Confit: So Much Better Than Overcooked Broccoli

(Image: Emma Christensen)

Filed in:
Ingredient
Vegetables