No, you shouldn’t wash mold off strawberries as it may have penetrated deeper into the fruit and it would be best to discard them.
Some people believe you can remove mold from strawberries by simply washing them with water. However, this is not the case. Mold spores are not just present on the surface, they penetrate into the fruit’s flesh and will not be removed by water alone. In fact, washing moldy strawberries can actually spread mold spores and contaminate other foods.
The best way to remove mold from strawberries is to cut away the affected areas with a sharp knife. Make sure to dispose of moldy parts in a sealed bag so they cannot spread. If possible, it is also advisable to wash the strawberries with a vinegar solution before eating them. This will help kill any remaining mold spores.
In general, it is not recommended to eat moldy strawberries. The spores can cause allergic reactions and respiratory problems in some people and may also contain harmful toxins.
Can You Cut Out The Mold?
It is not just a simple case of cutting out the affected part of the fruit. When you see mold on the surface, “root threads” have grown and spread inside the fruit which contains poisonous toxins.
What Causes Mold On Strawberries?
Mold can grow on strawberries for several reasons. The fruit is often picked before it is fully ripe, which makes it more susceptible to mold growth. If the strawberries are not stored properly, this can also lead to mold growth. Mold spores are present in the air and can settle on the surface of the fruit. If the conditions are right, these spores will start to grow and form mold colonies.
How Do You Prevent Strawberries From Becoming Moldy?
You can do a few things to prevent mold from growing on your strawberries.
- Make sure only to buy ripe strawberries and ready to eat.
- Store them properly in the refrigerator and consume them within a few days.
- Leave them unwashed until right before you are ready to eat them.
Washing strawberries and not drying them properly can cause mold to grow on them.
A good way to prevent mold from growing and keep your strawberries fresh is to soak them in a mixture of vinegar and water.
- Mix together 1 cup of vinegar and 3 cups of water in a bowl.
- Add the strawberries.
- Drain the strawberries in a colander and rinse them under cool water.
- Lay the strawberries on a bed of several paper towels to absorb any remaining moisture.
- Store the strawberries in a sealable container lying on paper towels to trap any moisture and leave the lid open so there is no moisture trapped.
If you do find mold on your strawberries, make sure to remove it before eating. Mold can cause allergic reactions in some people and may also contain harmful toxins. If you are unsure whether the mold is safe to eat, it is best to err on the side of caution and throw it away.
What Do You Do If You Eat Moldy Strawberries?
If you accidentally eat moldy strawberries, don’t panic. Most people will not experience any serious side effects. However, some people may experience an allergic reaction, such as difficulty breathing, nausea, fever, diarrhea, hives, or swelling of the throat or face. If you experience any of these symptoms, seek medical attention immediately.
Can You Eat Fruit In The Same Container That Has Moldy Fruit?
The USDA says if there is no mold present on the remaining fruit in the container, then it is safe to eat the fruit after it is washed thoroughly.
Final Thoughts
It is not recommended that you attempt to wash mold off strawberries as it has likely spread deeper into the fruit’s flesh. At this point, it is just best to discard them.