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Are old apples okay to eat?

Published in Food Safety 1 min read

Yes, old apples are generally okay to eat as long as they show no signs of mold or significant damage. According to information available, the primary concern with older apples is the potential for mold growth.

Evaluating Apple Safety

To determine if an old apple is safe to eat, consider the following:

  • Check for Mold: The most critical step is to inspect the apple for any signs of mold. If mold is present, discard the apple.

  • Inspect for Damage: Avoid apples with bruises, skin breaks, or other signs of damage, as these areas are more susceptible to mold.

  • Expiration Date (for bagged apples): If the apples were purchased in a bag, check the expiration date as a general guideline.

  • Insect Damage: Make sure the apples have no holes caused by insects.

Identifying Problems

Here's a quick guide to identifying potential problems:

Feature Safe to Eat Unsafe to Eat
Mold No signs of mold Presence of mold
Bruises/Breaks Minimal bruising, intact skin Significant bruises, breaks in the skin
Expiration Date Within or close to expiration date Significantly past expiration date
Insect Damage No holes or signs of insect infestation Holes or other signs of insect activity