Last year, I bought a lot of honeysuckle that I didn't finish drinking. When I opened it this year, I found that it had already become moldy. I want to ask if I can still drink honeysuckle that has become moldy?
Can I drink moldy honeysuckle?
It is not recommended to consume moldy honeysuckle.
If honeysuckle has become moldy, it is generally advised not to continue consuming it because the mold or insect eggs inside can damage the digestive system and liver, causing symptoms such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, and vomiting. Consuming moldy food for a long time may even increase the risk of cancer.
What to do if you drink moldy honeysuckle
1. Observe closely
In general, if you have consumed a small amount of moldy honeysuckle and do not experience any discomfort, you can immediately stop consuming it and closely monitor your condition.
2. Drink plenty of water
If you have consumed a significant amount of moldy honeysuckle or have already experienced symptoms such as diarrhea and abdominal pain, it is recommended to drink plenty of warm water. This can help dilute the remaining honeysuckle in the gastrointestinal tract and promote its excretion from the body, helping to alleviate the discomfort.
3. Seek medical attention
If you experience severe symptoms such as severe diarrhea or abdominal pain after drinking moldy honeysuckle, or if you have already experienced other serious symptoms, it is recommended to seek immediate medical attention. Medical treatments such as fluid replacement and gastric lavage may be necessary to prevent further worsening of symptoms and potential serious consequences.
What to do if honeysuckle becomes moldy
1. Generally, it is not recommended to continue using honeysuckle that has become moldy. If the mold is severe, the easiest way to handle it is to throw it away.
2. If the honeysuckle is not severely moldy, it is recommended to wash off the mold and insect eggs with clean water, then dry it in the strong sunlight. The dried honeysuckle can be used for foot baths, baths, etc. However, if the mold is severe, it is advisable not to continue using it.
What color does moldy honeysuckle have?
Normal honeysuckle is usually yellowish-white or greenish-white in color, with a mild and pleasant fragrance. Moldy honeysuckle may not have significant color changes on the surface, but there may be a greenish-gray layer. When lightly tapped, moldy residue may fall off or there may be white or greenish spots or mold balls, and there will be a noticeable moldy odor.
How to store honeysuckle
Honeysuckle is the dried flower buds or unopened flowers of the honeysuckle plant, which are prone to moisture and mold. Therefore, when storing honeysuckle, it is important to prevent moisture and mold. Here are several methods of storage:
Lime storage method
1. Wrap the honeysuckle in cotton paper.
2. Place the honeysuckle around the edges of a ceramic jar.
3. Put a block of lime in the middle of the bottom of the ceramic jar.
4. Seal the ceramic jar tightly.
5. Replace the lime block every 2-3 months.
Cool and shady storage method
1. Divide the honeysuckle into small bags and seal them in clean plastic bags.
2. Place the sealed bags of honeysuckle in a container.
3. Seal the container with its lid.
4. Keep the container in a cool and dry place, away from direct sunlight.
Refrigerator storage method
1. Divide the honeysuckle into small bags.
2. Place the bags of honeysuckle in a glass jar.
3. Seal the glass jar and cover it with a plastic bag.
4. Store the jar in the refrigerator's refrigeration compartment.
5. When taking out the honeysuckle, it is best to let the temperature inside the jar return to room temperature before opening.
