Imagine a sunny afternoon when you open the fridge and take out a seemingly attractive red apple, only to find that one side of it is no longer shiny and covered in a layer of grayish-white mold. You may hesitate: If you cut off the moldy part, will the remaining apples still be eaten? This may seem like a simple question, but there are hidden health risks behind it. 
The secret life of mold mold, the name of this tiny creature may sound harmless, but the way they live and the toxins they produce pose a serious threat to human health. Common food molds, such as Aspergillus and Penicillium, can not only form visible mold spots on the surface of the fruit, but also penetrate deep into the fruit through their tiny spores, making even seemingly fresh parts no longer safe. It's not just a superficial problemMany people mistakenly believe that mold only exists on the surface of the fruit, and that when the moldy part is removed, the rest is safe. However, this perception ignores the ability of mold spores to diffuse and the concealment of its toxins. Toxins produced by molds, such as aflatoxin, can cause liver damage even in very small doses, and over time, even increase the risk of liver cancer. Invisible HazardsEven if you don't eat the moldy parts directly, these toxins may have spread in other parts of the fruit, causing invisible harm. These toxins are tasteless to the human body, which means that you can't tell if food is contaminated by its taste. So, even if you remove the moldy part, you may inadvertently ingest these harmful substances. When it comes to whether moldy fruit is edible or not, scientific research provides clear and convincing evidence. Studies have shown that once a fruit becomes moldy, its surface and interior may have been contaminated with mold toxins, such as aflatoxin. These toxins are extremely detrimental to human health and can lead to liver damage and even cancer. One study found that mold can penetrate deep into the fruit through its mycelium, so that simply removing the moldy part of the surface does not completely remove the toxins from it. In addition, mold spreads much faster than we think, and a small area of mold can mean that the entire fruit is no longer fit for consumption. 
Prevention is better than **: Storage TipsKeeping Fresh and Preventing MoldTo avoid moldy fruits, the correct storage method is crucial. Keeping fruit in a dry, ventilated environment is a basic principle. For example, placing fruit in the freshness layer of the refrigerator and wrapping it separately with plastic wrap can effectively prolong its freshness and block the attack of mold. At the same time, regularly inspecting stored fruits, consuming them in a timely manner, or disposing of items that are about to expire, can greatly reduce the risk of food waste and mold contamination. Safety first: uncompromising in the face of mold When a fruit is moldy, the safest thing to do is to discard it immediately, especially for fruits with large areas of mold. Although it may seem wasteful, it is the best option to protect your health. For some fruits with higher value or larger quantities (such as watermelon), caution is also recommended if the mold is only on a small area on the surface, as the toxins of the mold may have spread to deeper layers. 
Purchasing strategy: choose fresh, refuse to buy excessive fruits, choose fresh, non-damaging products, and buy reasonably according to actual consumption power, to avoid unnecessary waste caused by excessive purchases. In addition, understanding the seasonality and preservation methods of different fruits is also an important strategy to ensure food safety.