Can you eat moldy olives?
Quick Answer
No
Eating moldy olives is not recommended as it can lead to food poisoning. The mold may produce harmful toxins that can cause illness.
What Is It?
Moldy olives are olives that have been contaminated with mold, a type of fungus that can grow on food and other organic materials.
How to Tell
Signs of mold on olives include a fuzzy or slimy texture, discoloration, an off smell, or visible mold growth.
Why It Can Be Risky
Eating moldy olives can pose several health risks.
- Food poisoning: Mold can produce harmful toxins that can cause food poisoning symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach cramps.
- Allergic reactions: Some people may have an allergic reaction to mold, which can cause symptoms such as sneezing, itching, and a rash.
- Respiratory problems: Inhaling mold spores can cause respiratory problems, especially in people with asthma or other respiratory conditions.
Safe Method?
If you notice mold on your olives, it’s best to throw them away. It’s not safe to eat the olives, even if you remove the moldy parts, as the mold’s toxins can still be present.
Safe Alternatives
If you have a craving for olives but yours have gone moldy, consider buying a fresh jar of olives or using other olive products such as olive oil or olive tapenade.
Storage Tips
Store olives in a cool, dry place.’, ‘Keep olives in their original brine or oil to help preserve them.’, ‘Once opened, keep olives refrigerated and consume them within a few weeks.