Does One Moldy Berry Ruin the Whole Bunch?

As a fruit fanatic, I can’t help but grab a container of berries whenever I see them, especially during the summer months. There is nothing better than picking up some vibrant red strawberries from the farmers’ market or grabbing some extra pretty blueberries from the grocery store. 

If I don’t eat all of the fruit I bought within 30 minutes (which very often happens), I sometimes forget I have any at all. It’s tempting to save these vibrant, juicy treats for a rainy day. But even the most innocent berry-saving intentions can quickly go sour. 

When this happens, I often catch myself with an entire carton of gorgeous raspberries sitting in the fridge, only to find one single moldy berry in the middle of the bunch. It can feel like these moldy berries pop up overnight, ready to ruin all of my summer fruit dreams.

If you are like me, you might see the little bit of mold as worrisome and throw out the entire container. This seems like such a waste, especially since berries are rarely cheap these days. I’m sick of throwing my favorite summer treat–and money–down the drain. So, I am here to help you clear up the debate once and for all.

Can You Eat Moldy Berries?

Let’s make this clear: If you find yourself with a berry that is visibly moldy, do not eat it. According to the Department of Agriculture, the only time you should be eating food with mold is when it is intended (such as blue cheese or certain salamis). So when it comes to moldy berries, it is best to toss it out rather than eating it. 

If you do eat one, though, it is most likely not the end of the world. While it might not be the most pleasant thing to consume, according to an article by Mayo Clinic, a small amount of mold is most likely not going to make you sick. However, if you do notice symptoms, such as allergic reactions and respiratory problems, reach out to your doctor.

Does One Moldy Berry Ruin the Whole Bunch?

It’s up to you, but the USDA says that a little bit of mold will not ruin the whole bunch. If you find some mold in your fruit, throw those pieces away and any pieces directly touching them. Make sure the remaining berries don’t have signs of mold or aren’t extra mushy. Then you can wash the rest of the fruit and and enjoy. That’s a relief! 

How Much Mold is Too Much Mold?

While one or two moldy berries might not be too big of a deal, when is your entire container unsalvageable? Mayo Clinic recommends tossing your fruit when over a quarter of the berries have mold on them. While it’s sad to see them go, it’s definitely preferable to getting sick from eating mold.

How to Prevent Mold on Berries

My solution is just to eat berries as soon as you can get your hands on them. But, if you have grand plans for a berry cake, tart, or crisp, this isn’t possible. Luckily, we have rounded up some great tips so you can keep those berries fresh. 

Let’s keep moldy fruit from raining on our parades this summer. The best season for berries is here, and, with these tips, they aren’t going to let it go to waste.