Life changes of broccoli in package under ambient (23 ℃) and refrigerated (4 ℃) storage was observed by headspace analyzer and colorimeter. It was found that the chroma (a and b value) and lightness (L value) of broccoli increases with elevation of storage time; at the same time, the concentration of oxygen in bags drops and that of carbon dioxide rises. It indicated that the color has changed from blue to yellow and from green to red, and the lightness has changed from black to white; the life change is strongly influenced by storage temperature. The broccoli at 4 ℃has longer shelf life due to the better color appearance and lower respiration in storage period, compared with that stored at room temperature of 23 ℃. Headspace analyzer and colorimeter are helpful tools in fresh-keeping field by monitoring precisely the life change of fruits and vegetables.