Avocados are one of the most nutritious fruits out there, with high amounts of Vitamin C, potassium, and fiber. However, they can also rot quickly, especially if they are exposed to too much moisture or stored in warm environments. If left unchecked, this can also lead to mold on the inside of an avocado.
If you find mold on an avocado, discard it immediately. Even though it may only be in a small area, it can easily spread throughout the soft flesh. Moreover, it may contain mycotoxins, which can be harmful to your health.
In addition to mold, you should also beware of other signs that the avocado is bad. For instance, if it feels mushy when you press on it or has deep pitted divots on the outside skin, this is a clear sign that it is overripe and should be thrown away.
Besides, overripe avocados also have a foul smell and sour taste. In addition, they are usually softer and may have brown spots on the skin. If you still decide to eat the avocado, it is essential to wash your hands thoroughly after handling it. If you ingest a rotten or moldy avocado, you may experience diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting, among other symptoms. However, this depends on how bad the avocado is and how much you eat of it. Regardless of the severity, it is recommended to seek medical attention if you start experiencing these symptoms.