Last Updated on 4th April 2024 by Pauline
If you are trying to look out for when your food goes bad, you need to know the signs. How do you know if your food is no longer edible and if it might be unhealthy to eat because it is too old or starting to grow bacteria?
Most foods have telltale signs, like an unpleasant smell, a foul odour, or some discolouration. If you know what to look for, you can identify food that has spoiled and not put yourself or your family at risk.
So, how to know when cauliflower is bad? We want to tell you what you can look for so you don’t have to wonder if your cauliflower is safe to eat.
Knowing when to toss food is just as important as knowing when not to toss it. You don’t want to be wasting your food, and it is important that you don’t get rid of cauliflower just because it looks like it might be bad but really isn’t.
So, I will help you learn how to know when cauliflower is going bad as well as when it may look bad but is still fine to eat.
Table of Contents
The Smell Test
Don’t underestimate the power of your nose. As they say, your nose knows when food is going bad, and if it gives off a nasty smell, that is a good indicator of the early stage of bad cauliflower
Your nose is very good at telling you when bacterial growth on food has reached a point where it is unsafe to consume. Your nose can tell you when meat has spoiled, when milk has soured, and when bread is mouldy. So, what does it tell you about cauliflower?
A mildly odd or unpleasant smell is probably no big deal. If the smell is serious, though, and overwhelmingly bad, then you should toss that cauliflower. That really bad smell is a surefire indicator that the cauliflower is no longer good to eat. Get rid of foul-smelling cauliflower immediately and don’t take any chances with it.
Mouldy Cauliflower
We all know that mould growth on bread is a sign that it is starting to go bad. What does mould mean for cauliflower, though?
On cauliflower, the mould will tend to look fuzzy and may be green or black, in most cases. We would say to toss the cauliflower if it has mould on it, generally speaking, but it’s up to you. The non-mouldy parts are usually still edible and may be safe, but you have to keep in mind that if you can see mould on some parts, the other parts may have microscopic mould.
Mould spores are so tiny that you cannot see them with the naked eye. There are probably some mould spores floating in front of you through your house right now, and you’re completely unaware of them. That is how tiny they are, but they are still there.
Once they get ahold of your food, they start to grow and spread. A very small amount of mould that you can’t even see on your food probably won’t harm you, but once it is visible, it is spreading rapidly, even to parts where it is not visible.
It’s best to toss out mouldy cauliflower completely, just to be on the safe side, but you can also cut off the mouldy parts and try to eat the rest. That’s not always the safest option, though, so you’ve been warned.
It’s Slime Time
How to know when cauliflower is going bad? One of the sure signs is slime growing on it. Slime is typically dark brown or black and looks disgusting. You will know it when you see it, and it’s pretty common for watery vegetables to have slime on them after they have been in the fridge for a while.
You don’t want to eat the slime, of course, but the un-slimed parts of the cauliflower are probably okay. You can just cut off the affected parts and safely eat the rest.
Should You Eat Browning Cauliflower?
One of the most common problems you will see with cauliflower is that it will start to turn brown. Is this a sign that it is going bad and that you should not eat it?
When cauliflower starts to brown, it probably is getting close to the expiry date, and you need to be aware of that, but it is still edible. You can eat the brown parts, and while they will have a different texture than the rest of the cauliflower, they are safe to consume.
You can also cut off those parts and eat the rest of the vegetable. The brown spots will only be on the outside, so it is only a matter of doing a little slicing to make the cauliflower look fresh again.
How to Know when Cauliflower Rice Is Bad
Cauliflower rice is a low carb way to enjoy rice with your meals, and it is a good substitute for regular rice, if you are trying to eat healthier and cut back on sugar and carbohydrates. Once you have processed cauliflower to make it into rice, you should store it securely in airtight containers or bags.
Once you keep it in a sealed bag in your fridge, the cauliflower will last there for about four days. If you are not sure and you are wondering how to know when cauliflower rice is bad, you can smell it. If it smells off or unpleasant, then you should toss it. If you store the cauliflower rice in your freezer, though, then it will be good for up to two months.
How Long Is Cauliflower Good For?
Cauliflower can last for a long time, if you take good care of it. Storing it in your fridge extends the shelf life from 2-4 days to 2-3 weeks.
The fridge does a great job of limiting contact with mould and other contaminants, ensuring your cauliflower lasts longer. If you just leave the cauliflower out on the counter, however, it will not last as long.
Knowing what to look for in your cauliflower and knowing when it has gone bad will not just save you from eating bad food in your home. It also helps you to avoid buying spoiled food in the grocery store. You will know what to look for now, and that will be one less food you end up returning the next day because you did not know it had gone bad.
How Long Can Cauliflower Soup be Stored?
Cauliflower soup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days if it is kept in an airtight container. If you wish to extend its shelf life, you can freeze it. When stored properly in a freezer-safe container or bag, cauliflower soup can be frozen for about 5-6 months. It’s important to cool the soup completely before refrigerating or freezing it to prevent bacterial growth. Also, if your soup contains cream or dairy, it may separate a bit upon thawing, but it can usually be reincorporated with a little stirring or blending.
FAQs
How long does cauliflower last in the fridge?
Fresh, whole cauliflower typically lasts for about 1 to 2 weeks in the fridge, if stored properly in a loose or perforated plastic bag in the crisper drawer. Once it’s cut, it should be consumed within a few days for the best quality. Signs of spoilage include brown spots, a strong odour, or a change in texture. It’s best to check the cauliflower regularly and use it before it starts to deteriorate.
Is cauliflower safe to eat when it turns brown?
Cauliflower may develop small brown or black spots due to oxidation or the beginnings of mould. If the spots are minimal, you can cut them off and the cauliflower is still safe to eat. However, if the browning is extensive, or if the cauliflower has a strong unpleasant smell or a slimy texture, it’s best to err on the side of caution and discard it, as these are signs of spoilage and potential bacterial growth.
What does bad cauliflower smell like?
Fresh cauliflower has a mild, slightly sweet scent. If cauliflower has gone bad, it often gives off a strong, unpleasant smell that’s hard to miss. It may be pungent, sour, or somewhat similar to ammonia or rotten eggs. This is due to bacteria and other microorganisms breaking down the cauliflower. If you detect this sort of odour, it’s best to discard the cauliflower to avoid potential foodborne illness.
What Happens If You Eat Bad Cauliflower
Eating spoiled cauliflower can result in foodborne illness, often presenting symptoms like nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, and sometimes fever. These symptoms can appear anywhere from a few hours to a few days after consumption, depending on the type of bacteria involved. If you suspect you’ve eaten spoiled cauliflower and are feeling unwell, it’s recommended to seek medical attention. To avoid such issues, always ensure your cauliflower is fresh and stored properly.
Other Cooking Tips!
How To Freeze Bananas (without Browning)
How To Cook Frozen Bacon Safely
How To Grind Meat: Blender, Food Processor & Grinder Methods
References
How Long Does Cauliflower Last? Shelf Life Expiration Date @EatByDate
I'm Pauline, a mother of four grown children, my passion for cooking stemmed from the joy i get cooking for my family. I love to try new dishes, especially when dining out but creating and sharing my own recipes is my favourite thing to do!