Can you eat moldy tomatoes?
Quick Answer
No
Eating moldy tomatoes can lead to food poisoning. The mold may produce mycotoxins, which are harmful substances that can cause illness.
What Is It?
Moldy tomatoes are tomatoes that have been affected by mold, a type of fungus that grows in the form of multicellular filaments called hyphae.
How to Tell
Signs of moldy tomatoes include a fuzzy or slimy texture, discoloration, an off smell, or visible mold growth.
Why It Can Be Risky
Eating moldy tomatoes carries several potential health risks.
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Safe Method?
If a tomato has a small spot of mold, it may be safe to cut off the moldy part and eat the rest. However, it’s generally best to discard moldy tomatoes to be safe.
Can You Just Cut It Off?
If you choose to cut off the mold, remove at least one inch around and below the mold spot. Keep the knife out of the mold itself to avoid cross-contamination.
Safe Alternatives
If you find moldy tomatoes, it’s best to replace them with fresh tomatoes. If fresh tomatoes aren’t available, consider using canned tomatoes or tomato sauce as an alternative.
Storage Tips
{‘1’: ‘Store tomatoes at room temperature away from direct sunlight.’, ‘2’: ‘Avoid storing tomatoes in plastic bags, as this can encourage mold growth.’, ‘3’: ‘Use ripe tomatoes within a few days to prevent mold.’}