Can you eat moldy celery?
Quick Answer
No
Eating moldy celery is not recommended as it can lead to food poisoning. Mold can produce harmful toxins that are hazardous to human health.
What Is It?
Moldy celery refers to celery that has been contaminated with mold, a type of fungus. It usually appears as discolored spots on the celery and can have a foul smell.
How to Tell
Signs of moldy celery include discoloration, a slimy texture, and a foul smell. The celery may also have fuzzy spots which are usually white, green, black, or blue.
Why It Can Be Risky
Consuming moldy celery can pose several health risks.
- Food poisoning: Mold can produce mycotoxins which can lead to food poisoning symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
- Allergic reactions: Some people may have allergic reactions to mold, causing symptoms like sneezing, itching, and rash.
- Respiratory problems: Inhaling mold spores can cause respiratory problems, especially in people with asthma or other respiratory conditions.
Safe Method?
If only a small part of the celery is moldy, you can cut off the moldy part and eat the rest. However, if the mold has spread throughout the celery, it’s best to discard the entire piece.
Can You Just Cut It Off?
When cutting off the moldy part, make sure to remove at least 1 inch around and below the mold spot. Mold can penetrate deep into the food, so removing just the moldy spot might not be enough.
Safe Alternatives
If you don’t have fresh celery, you can use celery seeds, celery salt, or other crunchy vegetables like cucumber or bell pepper as alternatives.
Storage Tips
Store celery in the refrigerator to slow down the growth of mold.’, ‘Wrap celery in aluminum foil or a paper towel to keep it fresh longer.’, “Don’t wash celery before storing it as moisture can promote mold growth.”]