Chestnuts are rich in vitamins, starch, and sugars, and have the nutritional benefits of anti-aging, beauty, and cough relief. They have a unique and refreshing taste and are loved by many people. Can you still eat moldy chestnuts? What should you do if you eat moldy chestnuts?
Can you still eat moldy chestnuts?
It is not recommended to eat them.
Chestnuts are a nutritious and nourishing product with high edible and medicinal value. In improper storage conditions, they may become moldy. Moldy chestnuts are not recommended for consumption because they contain a large amount of mold, which not only affects the effectiveness of the medicine and destroys the nutritional components, but may also cause gastrointestinal discomfort and food poisoning.
How to deal with moldy chestnuts?
It depends on the situation.
If the chestnuts are only slightly moldy, you can soak them in boiling water, then vigorously scrub off the mold, repeating 2-3 times. Drain the water, place them in a ventilated and cool place to dry, and then seal them for storage. For chestnuts that are severely moldy, it is recommended to discard them directly.
What to do if you eat moldy chestnuts?
1. Mild discomfort
If you experience mild discomfort after eating moldy chestnuts, such as loss of appetite, nausea, and vomiting, you can drink plenty of warm water and rest appropriately. This can promote the elimination of toxins and alleviate physical discomfort. Mild discomfort generally recovers within 1-3 days.
2. Severe discomfort
If you experience symptoms such as dizziness, chest tightness, and rapid breathing after eating moldy chestnuts, you should seek medical attention immediately to avoid delaying the treatment of the condition.
Precautions when eating chestnuts
1. Not suitable for raw consumption
Chestnuts contain toxic substances such as chestnut acid, hydrogenated chestnut acid, and chestnut phenol. The toxicity is stronger when consumed raw, so they should be cooked at high temperatures before consumption.
2. Peel off the skin
Chestnut skins contain ginkgo toxins, which are harmful to health. The shells and skins should be removed before consumption.
3. Pay attention to the dosage
Children can be poisoned by consuming 7-10 chestnuts raw, while adults can be poisoned by consuming 10-50 chestnuts. Excessive consumption of chestnuts can lead to poisoning, so remember not to overindulge.
4. Avoid consumption during pregnancy
The toxins in chestnuts can affect the development of the fetus and excessive intake can lead to fetal deformities. Therefore, pregnant women should avoid consuming them.
How to dry and store chestnuts
Dry and seal for storage
Chestnuts contain a certain amount of moisture, so they should be dried in a ventilated and cool place. Sun exposure can cause the chestnuts to dry on the outside but remain moist on the inside, making them prone to mold. Once dried, seal them in a container for storage.
Refrigerate in the refrigerator
If conditions permit, you can place the dried chestnuts in the refrigerator to keep them fresh and prevent mold. Take them out to thaw before consumption. However, it is important to note that chestnuts should not be refrigerated for a long time to avoid affecting the taste and loss of nutritional substances.
