Why do onions get a black mold on them?

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Posted on Wed, Aug. 10, 2005

http://www.ohio.com/mld/beaconjournal/living/12346315.htm

Ask Jane

Jane Snow

Beacon Journal

Q: Why do onions get a black mold on them? Are the onions safe to

eat or should they be tossed? -- N.R., Doylestown.

A: The black mold is caused by Aspergillus niger, a fungus common in

soil. It can infect onions while they're growing or in storage.

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and

Inspection Service, it's safe to trim mold from firm vegetables and

consume the uncontaminated portion. Trim at least 1 inch around and

below the mold. To prevent cross contamination, do not allow the

knife to come in contact with the mold.

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