Can you eat moldy cherries?
Quick Answer
No
Eating moldy cherries can lead to food poisoning. The mold may produce harmful toxins that can cause illness.
What Is It?
Moldy cherries are cherries that have been contaminated with mold, a type of fungus that grows in the form of multicellular filaments called hyphae.
How to Tell
Moldy cherries may have a fuzzy or slimy texture. They may also change in color, often becoming green, black, white, or blue. The cherries may also have a strong musty smell.
Why It Can Be Risky
Eating moldy cherries can pose several health risks.
- Food poisoning: Mold can produce harmful toxins that can cause food poisoning.
- Allergic reactions: Some people may have an allergic reaction to mold.
- Respiratory problems: Inhaling mold spores can cause respiratory problems, especially in people with asthma or allergies.
Safe Method?
If you find a few moldy cherries in a batch, it’s safe to remove them and eat the rest. However, if the entire batch is moldy, it’s best to discard it.
Can You Just Cut It Off?
Cutting off the moldy part of a cherry is not recommended as the mold’s roots can penetrate deep into the fruit, and toxins produced by the mold can spread beyond the visible mold.
Safe Alternatives
If you find your cherries are moldy, consider using canned or frozen cherries as an alternative.
Storage Tips
Store cherries in the refrigerator to slow down the growth of mold.’, “Don’t wash cherries until you’re ready to eat them as moisture can promote mold growth.”]