Can you eat moldy onions?
Quick Answer
No
Eating moldy onions is not safe as they can contain harmful bacteria and fungi, including Aspergillus and Penicillium species, which can cause foodborne illnesses.
What Is It?
Moldy onions are onions that have developed mold, a type of fungus, on their surface or inside. The mold may appear as fuzzy spots of various colors, including white, blue, green, or black.
How to Tell
Signs of mold in onions include: discoloration, a slimy texture, a strong musty smell, and visible mold growth.
Why It Can Be Risky
Consuming moldy onions can pose several health risks, including:
- Food poisoning due to harmful bacteria and fungi
- Allergic reactions or respiratory problems in people sensitive to molds
- Potential exposure to mycotoxins, toxic compounds produced by certain molds
Safe Method?
If only a small part of the onion is moldy and the rest appears fine, you can cut off the moldy part and use the rest. However, if the mold has spread throughout the onion, it’s best to discard the entire onion.
Can You Just Cut It Off?
When cutting off the moldy part, make sure to remove a significant portion around the moldy area as well since mold can penetrate deeper into the food than what is visible to the naked eye.
Storage Tips
Store onions in a cool, dry, well-ventilated place’, ‘Avoid storing onions in plastic bags as they can promote moisture and mold growth’, ‘Check stored onions regularly and remove any that start to mold to prevent the mold from spreading to others