Can you eat moldy mangoes?
Quick Answer
No
Eating moldy mangoes is not recommended as it can lead to food poisoning. The mold may produce mycotoxins, which are harmful substances that can cause illness.
What Is It?
Moldy mangoes are mangoes that have been contaminated with mold, a type of fungus that can grow on foods that are stored improperly or for too long.
How to Tell
Moldy mangoes may have a fuzzy or slimy appearance, an off smell, or visible spots of mold, which can be various colors including white, green, black, or blue.
Why It Can Be Risky
Eating moldy mangoes can pose several health risks, including:
- Food poisoning: Mold can produce harmful substances called mycotoxins that can cause food poisoning symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
- Allergic reactions: Some people may have an allergic reaction to the mold, causing symptoms such as 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 mango is moldy, you can cut off the moldy part and eat the rest. However, if the mold has spread throughout the mango, it’s best to throw it away.
Can You Just Cut It Off?
When cutting off the moldy part, make sure to cut at least 1 inch around and below the mold spot. Mold has roots that can penetrate deep into the fruit, so it’s important to remove a large enough section.
Safe Alternatives
If you don’t have any fresh mangoes, consider using canned or frozen mangoes as an alternative. These are often picked and preserved at their peak ripeness, so they can be a good substitute for fresh mangoes.
Storage Tips
[“Store mangoes at room temperature until they’re ripe, then refrigerate them.”, ‘Use airtight containers or plastic wrap to protect cut mangoes from moisture and bacteria.’, ‘Consume cut mangoes within 2-3 days for best quality.