What happens if you harvest broccoli too late?

Harvesting broccoli too late leads to permanent loss of quality that destroys your crop. Overripe heads will start to lose their tight bud structure and produce yellow flowers within a matter of a few hours. The nutritional quality of broccoli degrades as the plant prioritizes energy for flowering. I have seen entire fields spoil from one overnight harvest delay. Harvest methodically to avoid this heartbreak.

Visual cues arising are screaming to be prepped for harvesting. Indications of yellow petals exposed from absent buds mean you've passed the opportunity. Bud separation is noticeable by a bumpy, uneven surface. Heads lose their firmness and become soft when squeezed. Canopy green hues transform into pale or sickly colors. With warmth, these occur quickly.

Nutrient loss follows peak harvest quickly. Vitamin C loss is 25-40% in 48 hours. Antioxidants decrease as blooms develop. When I sample heads regularly, late harvest heads are nutritionally inferior. Cooked preparations retain some value.

Temperature significantly accelerates quality deterioration. You could have 48 hours at 60°F, but at 85°F, it is less than 24 hours. I use shade cloth when it warms up. If you are harvesting late heads, refrigerate them immediately.

Recovery methods are of little help for late-harvested. Harvest as soon as the first sign of yellow. Use in soups where the bitterness will dissipate. Remove open flowers before cooking. Feed the plants to encourage potential side shoots. Prevention is far superior.

Read the full article: When to Harvest Broccoli: Essential Guide