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See dark, dusty spots on onions? This is what they are and why you should care about them
Although it is common to see black mold on onions, experts recommend not consuming them as it can lead to infection, and more seriously kidney failure as well as frequent allergic reactions, fever, headache and runny nose. May be closed. Read on to learn how to get rid of mold caused by Aspergillus niger – a common fungus found in soil.
Some cases of pneumonia, allergies, and kidney failure can be attributed to Aspergillus niger.
Onion is one of the most widely used ingredients in Indian kitchens, where food is cooked using this essential bulb. Apart from adding flavor, onion is packed with health benefits which include reducing the risk of dangerous cancers and promoting healthy hair and skin growth.
However, many times you may have noticed black, dusty mold on the outer covering of onions. Caused by Aspergillus niger – a common fungus found in soil; It may be toxic.
What is Aspergillus Niger?,
According to research, fungi Aspergillus niger It may be the cause of some cases of pneumonia. It is also the causative agent of black mold on the exterior of some food items like apricots, onions, grapes etc. – hence it becomes a food spoilage organism.
scientists say name aspergillus Coming from the Latin word aspergillum – which roughly translates to holy water sprinkling – these sprinklings are shaped much like the fungi they appear under a microscope.
Serious side effects of Aspergillus niger
Aspergillus niger There are several strains that range between 900-1,600μm in length, with rough, spherical conidia measuring 3-5μm. Experts say that some strains of this fungus are known to secrete ochratoxins which lead to nephrotoxicity and kidney tumors in a variety of animal species and are potentially hazardous to human health if consumed.
they have been released aspergillus and Penicillium fungal species. Ochratoxin A, for example, is a problematic organism during bulk storage of grain if conditions are wet or moist in any way.
According to experts, the fungus also produces oxalic acid, which apart from damaging neurons, causes hypocalcemia and kidney failure. Research shows that black mold in onions contains toxins that can cause allergic reactions such as vomiting, nausea, headache, stomach pain and diarrhea.
how to get rid of black fungus on onion,
To get rid of black fungus on onions, you can cut off the affected areas, harvesting them before eating – but only if the entire onion is not affected.
Experts say that when fungus starts appearing on the surface of onion or any other vegetable, it means that microscopic roots have already spread throughout the vegetable. These affected areas remain invisible to the naked eye, while the rest of the onion may be clearly visible.
While in small amounts, mold may not be fatal, regularly eating onions with black spots can lead to cross-contamination, leading to mild infections.
How to store onions correctly?
Experts say that since most pathogens breed in warm, comfortable, moist conditions, it is best to store whole onions in a cool, dry, well-ventilated place. It is also advisable to store whole onions away from light, which can give them the germination signal and cause them to sprout.
Always keep the remaining half onion tightly wrapped in plastic wrap in the refrigerator. Chopped onions can be stored this way and can also be frozen in zipper-lock bags.
Whole everyday onions should last for at least two weeks when stored in a cool, dry place.
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