Tag: Nut spoilage

According to research published by the National Institutes of Health, walnuts have been found to contain some of the highest yeast and mold counts among common tree nuts. So, do walnuts have mold on them inherently? While not naturally moldy, these nuts can develop fungal growth under improper storage conditions, which poses a serious health risk.

According to food experts, nuts contain healthy fats that can oxidize when exposed to air, light, and heat, leading to rancidity. The side effects of eating rancid peanuts range from immediate digestive discomfort to more serious, long-term health concerns depending on the level of spoilage.

While the taste of a slightly rancid nut is often an immediate deterrent, many people wonder about the actual health implications. Over time, the unsaturated fats in nuts oxidize, causing them to go rancid. But is it okay to eat slightly rancid nuts, or does that bitter taste signal a more serious health risk you should avoid?