The objective of study was to investigate the underlying mechanisms responsible for the ability of 2-Ethylhexylglycidylether (EHGE) fumigation to inhibit the yellowing and senescence of harvested broccoli. We conducted a combination of transcriptomic, metabolomic, physiological, and biochemical analyses of EHGE-fumigated broccoli stored at 20 °C and 90 % relative humidity for five days and compared it to an untreated control. Results indicated that the EHGE treatment inhibited fresh weight loss and the loss of vitamin C, inhibited the reduction in total phenolics, delayed yellowing, as well as the reduction in antioxidant capacity. The data suggest a dual mechanism involving the enhancement of chlorophyll synthesis and the inhibition of chlorophyll degradation is involved. The EHGE treatment also suppressed carotenoid accumulation while promoting the accumulation of flavonoids, resulting in increased antioxidant capacity. However, the specific mechanisms associated with the antioxidant capacity of flavonoids require further study. In summary, the study provides a comprehensive theoretical framework for understanding how EHGE fumigation effectively delays the postharvest senescence of postharvest broccoli. •This paper first studied the effect of 2-Ethylhexylglycidylether (EHGE) on the postharvest preservation of broccoli.•EHGE treatment extends the green coloring of broccoli.•EHGE treatment delays the rate of chlorophyll degradation in broccoli.•EHGE treatment regulates the biosynthesis and metabolism of chlorophyll, carotenoids, and flavonoids in broccoli.