Orange is a widely grown fruit. Only a few fruits like banana, watermelon and apple are grown more than orange worldwide. Did you know Nepal grows lots of oranges too? It is among the top 60 countries growing oranges.
During winter, oranges are found everywhere in our markets. They come fresh from farms in Nepal. But sometimes spoiled oranges get mixed with the good ones by mistake. An orange may look normal but taste bad inside. Or you may unknowingly eat a rotten one. I have not eaten much rotten orange myself. But I know what can happen from my young niece’s experience. When she was 7 years old, she ate almost 1kg of oranges in one day without realizing some were spoiled.
In this article, I will tell you what health problems you or your child may face if a rotten orange is eaten by accident. It is important for you to learn how to identify bad oranges so you stay healthy.
Understanding Oranges
Oranges are one of the most popular fruits around the world. They are low in calories yet full of vitamins and minerals that are good for our body. A medium-sized orange contains about 60 calories and provides vitamin C, potassium, thiamine and folate. Oranges also contain flavonoids that act as antioxidants. These nutrients are best for us when the fruit is ripe and fresh.
Like other fruits, oranges continue to ripen even after being picked from trees. As long as they are kept at room temperature, oranges will fully ripen within a few days to a week. However, once oranges are ripe and cut or peeled,they begin to spoil quickly. Spoilage occurs when undesirable microorganisms like bacteria or molds start growing inside or on the surface of the fruit, making it unsafe for consumption. Let’s look at some signs that indicate an orange has gone bad.
How To Know A Bad Orange?
There are a few clear signs that can help identify whether an orange has spoiled or not. The first thing to look for is discoloration or spots on the skin. Bad oranges may turn brownish or black in color. Another sign is the emergence of soft, fuzzy mold growths that usually appear as white, blue, or green patches.
Apart from appearance, smell and taste are also good indicators. A spoiled orange will have a sour, acidic or foul smell rather than a fresh, citrusy aroma. And when you cut into or taste a bad orange, the pulp won’t have a pleasant, tangy taste either. It may taste more bitter or acidic. Sometimes bad oranges also feel more flattened or shriveled than normal. Trust your senses – if an orange looks, smells or tastes spoilt, it’s best not to consume it.
What Happens If You Eat Bad Orange?
If you eat a bad orange, it can cause food poisoning from bacteria like Salmonella or E. coli which can lead to stomach upset, diarrhea and vomiting within hours. Moldy oranges may also cause respiratory issues or increase risks of diseases like typhoid due to harmful microbes growth in rotten fruit.
- Food poisoning – Spoiled oranges may contain dangerous bacteria like Salmonella, Shigella or E. coli that can cause stomach upset, diarrhea, nausea and vomiting within a few hours after consumption. Young children, elderly and those with weaker immunity are at higher risk.
- Exposure to molds – Certain molds that grow on decaying oranges produce mycotoxins which are toxic substances. Ingesting moldy oranges may lead to respiratory issues or other illnesses in the long run.
- Increased risk of diseases – Some microbes can infect the digestive system and potentially cause diseases like typhoid if the bad orange was contaminated during farming or transportation. This risk is higher in developing nations with poor sanitation.
- Allergic reactions -People with food allergies may experience mild to severe symptoms like hives, difficulty breathing, dizziness upon eating a food they are intolerant to. Those with citrus allergy need to avoid decaying oranges altogether.
While mild cases resolve on their own with rest and proper hydration, eating rotten food carrying antibiotic-resistant bacteria can lead to long-term illnesses if left untreated. It’s always best to avoid the chance of getting sick in the first place. Let’s move forward to learn some real-life experiences.
Preventive Measures And Proper Storage Of Oranges
The best way to protect ourselves from the dangers of consuming rotten oranges is to store them properly and maintain freshness. Here are some tips:
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Keep whole oranges in the fridge crisper drawer lined with a paper towel. This will keep them fresh for 2-3 weeks.
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Cut or peeled oranges should be sealed in an airtight bag or container and refrigerated for maximum 5 days.
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Wash hands thoroughly before and after handling any cut produce to avoid cross-contamination.
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Check oranges regularly for signs of decay and discard any spoiled pieces immediately.
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Oranges that are already bruised or damaged have a higher chance of rotting faster. Avoid purchasing such fruit.
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Storing oranges together with other fruits or vegetables that emit ethylene gas can cause them to ripen and spoil quickly. Keep separately.
Proper cooling and hygiene practices play a big role in ensuring oranges and other foods remain safe for consumption longer. Rotten produce needs to be thrown right away instead of risking sickness.
What To Do If You’ve Eaten a Bad Orange
Even with care and caution, there is a small possibility of consuming a spoiled orange accidentally. If this occurs, do not panic. Drink plenty of water or hydrating fluids to flush out your system. Monitor yourself for any symptoms of food poisoning like stomach pain, vomiting or diarrhea over the next few hours.
Seek medical help immediately if any severe allergic reaction or very high fever develops after eating bad citrus. For milder digestive upset, try getting rest and sticking to a bland diet of rice, toast or yogurt until symptoms subside. But do see a doctor if discomfort persists for over a day especially in high-risk groups like young children and elders to rule out any potential infections. Early diagnosis and care is important.
Informational Picture [What Happens If You Eat Bad Orange?]
Conclusion
In this article, I discussed oranges and what can happen if eaten rotten. I shared my niece’s experience eating spoiled oranges accidentally. After research, I believe the information provided will create awareness on identifying and storing oranges properly.
Eating rotten oranges can cause food poisoning or illnesses if not treated promptly. It is important we learn the signs of decay and practice good habits to keep our favorite fruit safe longer. Always check for changes in color, texture or smell before purchasing or consuming oranges.
In conclusion, staying informed about the fruits we enjoy regularly, like oranges, is key. Understanding possible risks allows us to take proper care. Make safety a priority when it comes to health. With awareness and timely care, you can safely benefit from oranges’ delicious nutrition! I hope this article helped shed light on maintaining orange freshness.
