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Have you noticed onions that have a black powdery film on their surface? This dark substance isn’t dirt; it’s a kind of fungus called Aspergillus niger. Recently, a doctor’s tweet about how common these onions are in stores gained a lot of attention and started a conversation about food safety. Dr Nandita Iyer shared on X, "Right now, the only way to find onions that don’t have this black fungus is to go to the market with a paring knife, peel them, check their quality, and then buy. I’ve ordered from every app and supermarket, and I regret to say that I haven't found a single onion free of the black coating." Many users on X mentioned that they have the same trouble in locating "clean" onions. Some suggested buying onions directly from local markets instead of depending on delivery services, and the doctor agreed with this idea. Others mentioned that this issue isn’t new, but Dr Nandita highlighted that there seem to be more onions with this black fungus recently. So, the frequency of the problem is also concerning.
Previously, Dr Nandita Iyer had posted an informative video regarding onions covered in black fungus (Aspergillus niger) and the ways to handle them. She described that the fungus "grows well in warm, damp areas" and can also be found on fruits and walls in bathrooms. According to her, the fungus develops due to "damp weather, inadequate ventilation in storage, extended shelf life in warehouses, and the dark and moist stores of quick commerce brands."
Dr Nandita Iyer mentions that it is safe to eat these onions if the black substance is only on the outer layers. In this situation, you should peel it carefully to remove the fungus, wash it well, and then cook it. If the black substance is present on deeper layers, you will need to keep peeling until you reach clean, pinkish-white flesh. "If the onion smells musty or feels slimy, it’s best to discard it," she recommends. She emphasizes that this fungus can sometimes produce toxins that could lead to health issues.
Another key piece of advice from the doctor is to always wash your hands, knife, and cutting board with soap after handling any onions with black fungus, even if the amount is minimal. This is very important because the black particles can spread to other foods and contaminate them. Furthermore, she recommends keeping onions in mesh baskets instead of plastic bags or closed containers to ensure better airflow. Purchasing onions fresh as needed rather than buying in large quantities can also be beneficial. You may have seen alarming statements about the 'risks' of eating black onions online. It’s essential to focus on knowledge rather than panic. By staying informed and adhering to proper food safety measures, you can protect your health and minimize unnecessary food waste.
