Fruits that Mold the Fastest and What to Do if You Find It

Fruits that mold quickly should be consumed as soon as possible. All too often, mold cannot be seen by the naked eye. By the time it becomes visible, spore threads have already spread deep inside and onto any surrounding fruit. And even though some fruits are more prone to mold growth, all of them are capable of it.

Ever bought a small container of berries, placed it in your frig, gone back to use them in a few days and found they’d become infested with mold? It’s a big disappointment and such a big waste. When that happens, you can be fairly certain that when you bought the container, it had already been contaminated. There’s no way to prevent mold once it’s present either.

Molds are basically fungi that thrive in warm, damp environments. Different types affect fruits in different ways and at variable rates, which is why it’s hard to determine which fruits mold the fastest. Once you can see mold forming, spores are spreading quickly and can affect any food that’s nearby. Mold is dangerous to your health and can affect breathing and may cause allergic reactions.

strawberry mold image

Fruits that Mold the Fastest

Berries

Gray mold (called botrytis) is the most common type of fruit rot and mostly affects berries that are near maturity and ready for harvest. As you might imagine, strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, and *grapes are fruits that mold fastest because botrytis spreads so quickly.

*Note: Grapes are considered a true berry because the fruit wall. (called pericarp)

Handling fruits that have been affected causes mold spores to travel to other fruits. Be sure to wash your hands well after touching mold.

*Note: Do remember that strawberries are #1 on EWG’s dirty dozen list – produce that’s commonly over-sprayed with pesticides.

peaches with mold image

Soft Fruits and Mold

Soft fruits are another example of fruits that mold the fastest because of their high moisture content. All that juiciness and a thinner outer sheath are breeding grounds for many different types of mold. For that reason, consume soft fruits in a timely manner. Peaches and plums are good examples of this type of fruit. If you see mold forming, toss it.

apple mold image

Firm Fruits and Mold

Because of their low moisture content and thicker skin, firm fruits are not as susceptible to molding as quickly. If you find moldy spots on their surface, cut off the area to remove it. If more than one molded spot is visible, it’s generally safer to discard the fruit entirely. Apples and pears are prime examples of firm fruits.

Mold Prevention

Toss any fruits that contain mold. Keep your refrigerator shelves clean and dry. Use the method below to wash fresh berries. They have little skin to protect them which means they are typically fruits that mold fastest.

All fruits should be examined well before purchasing and completely washed before eating. Remember that all commercial produce today is sprayed heavily with herbicides so cleaning them well before consumption should be a HUGE priority.

Soft fruits and berries should be discarded if mold is present. However, firm fruits are not as mold friendly. Do not cut through mold and keep your knife away from it too. Cut away at least one inch around and below the mold spot and wash thoroughly with warm soapy water. Rinse well. You can feel safe eating the rest of the flesh.

How to Keep Berries Fresher Longer

In a large bowl, mix 1 cup of white vinegar with 8 cups of water.

Place berries in the mixture and let them sit for 10 minutes or so. Move berries around some too.

Drain through a colander and place fruit on paper towels to dry thoroughly.

Store in a sealed container lined with paper towels. If you’re using an air-tight container, lift the lid slightly to avoid moisture getting in. Keep a check on all items you store in the frig and consume them asap.

The good news is that most mold won’t kill you but some types can make you VERY sick via mycotoxins. Be a smart shopper and look carefully before placing any produce into your grocery cart. Buying fruits that mold quickly is just the name of the game if you want fresh produce. Supporting your local farmers and avoiding commercial fruits entirely is your best recipe for overall good health.

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Resources

Fruits that Grow Mold Fastest

How to Keep Berries Fresher Longer

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