mold on dates and potential health risks
dates are Medjool, which has a sweet, sticky taste and is often used as a healthy snack. However, because it contains a lot of sugar and is easy to absorb moisture, this fruit is very susceptible to mold if not properly preserved.
According to Elizabeth Barnes, RDN, a nutritionist at the University of Michigan (USA): "A warm and moist environment is an ideal condition for mold to thrive, especially Aspergillus niger mushroom, which often creates black mold on dates".
When infected with fungi, dates may appear unusually black or gray, with a mild mold or sour smell. Eating dates is a milestone that can cause food poisoning, with symptoms such as nausea, abdominal pain or diarrhea. People with weak immune systems, young children, pregnant women and the elderly are especially susceptible to complications.
Barnes recommends: You should not try to cut off the mold to eat the rest, as the mushroom fibers can spread inside without the naked eye.
How to check and store dates to avoid mold
You can't always see mold with the naked eye, but you can rely on the smell and feel when holding it. If the dates have a strange smell, sticky surface or unusual spots, throw them away immediately.
When buying, you should check the expiration date and packaging condition. Avoid buying if the box is broken, the fruit changes color or shows signs of moisture.
Regarding preservation, dried dates last longer than fresh dates. Barnes suggests: Leave the dates in a dry, well-ventilated place, away from direct sunlight. For humid climates, store in airtight containers and refrigerate or freeze them to prevent fungus from growing.
If you discover a mold with mold, check the entire batch, as the fungus can spread quickly in sealed bags.
Black spots are not always mold
Not all black spots in dates are mushrooms. Sometimes it is the remains of insects or crystallized sugar crystals during preservation. These spots are often dry, odorless, and not widely distributed, unlike real mold.
"However, if you're not sure, choose the safest way: leave instead of being cheap," Barnes advised.
Proper storage and careful observation before eating help you keep dates fresh and delicious, avoiding unnecessary health risks. Although it is a natural dish, dates still need to be treated as a fresh food, clean, dry and properly preserved.
