Buzz
In today’s world, it’s hard to ignore the rising costs of food. If you’re someone who’s aware of the price of milk, you’ve likely spent the last few years experimenting with different tactics to stretch your grocery budget. One such approach includes adjusting your stance on food that’s just past its prime.
For instance, you may be able to cut away the moldy sections of items like cheese and jam, consuming the remaining parts without harm, though moldy bread or sauce is another matter. But fresh produce is more fragile—it’s far less forgiving than its shelf-stable counterparts. So when you come across wilted lettuce or overripe fruit, can you just trim off the bad parts and continue as usual?
Is it safe to eat produce once it has turned brown?
Many types of produce change color after a short period of time—we’ve all begun preparing the perfect sandwich only to find the lettuce has started turning brown around the edges. It’s a bit off-putting, but the good news is that browning is usually harmless. It occurs due to oxygen interacting with plant enzymes, exposure to ethylene from other fruits, or improper storage temperatures. Generally, as long as your produce isn’t slimy or foul-smelling, you can simply remove the brown spots and enjoy the rest.
Is it safe to eat bruised produce?
Fruits and vegetables are quite fragile and bruise easily, especially during their journey to the grocery store. A bruise appears as a soft area, sometimes with wrinkling on the skin, and a mushy, brown patch beneath. It may be off-putting, but you can definitely cut out the bruised section and still consume the rest.
What happens when produce starts sprouting?
We’ve all been there: You stash some vegetables for later use, only to find that by the time you finally check on them, they resemble something straight out of The Last of Us, with sprouts sprouting everywhere. Is it okay to just remove the sprouts and continue eating the rest?
Potatoes that have sprouted may contain higher levels of glycoalkaloids, which can be harmful. However, it’s generally safe to remove the sprouts and eat the remaining potato, as long as it’s firm and in good condition. If your potatoes have turned green, either on the skin or inside, be cautious. This indicates a high level of solanine, which can be dangerous, particularly for children. You can trim off the green areas, but it’s safest to discard the entire green potato.
It’s usually fine to eat vegetables that have sprouted, such as onions, garlic, and carrots. As long as the vegetable is still firm and not slimy or too soft, it’s safe to eat. Simply remove the sprouts and proceed with cooking.
Is it safe to eat moldy produce?
Mold may seem off-putting, but if the rest of the produce looks fine, it can be tempting to just cut away the moldy sections. The success of this approach depends on the moisture content of the produce. Soft fruits and vegetables, like oranges or eggplants, usually have mold below the surface, making them unsafe once mold is visible. However, for drier produce, like peppers, you can safely remove the moldy parts as long as the rest of the produce is firm, dry, and healthy.
When should you avoid eating questionable produce?
In general, it’s safest to dispose of any food that appears questionable. However, if you’re aiming to save as much as possible, you can often salvage parts of it by cutting away the damaged areas. The important thing is to look beyond appearances. Here are some telltale signs that your produce can’t be saved:
A ‘slimy’ feel or texture
Excessively soft and mushy consistency
An unpleasant smell (or worse, an awful taste)
If you notice these warning signs, it’s best to discard the produce. Otherwise, you may still be able to save most of it, especially if you plan to cook it rather than eat it raw.
