How to tell if blackberries are bad? (3 Ways to tell)

In this article, we will answer the question “How to tell if blackberries are bad?”. Moreover, we will discuss the health consequences of eating spoiled blackberries, and how to store blackberries to keep them fresh for longer.

How to tell if blackberries are bad?

You can tell if blackberries have gone bad by their change in color and texture. Blackberries that are spoiled/bad are soft, mushy, and give off an off smell.

They will taste sour and may develop mold growth. You should not eat spoiled blackberries, especially if they are contaminated with mold as they produce harmful mycotoxins that can make you very sick (1-5).

Discard blackberries immediately if you see any of these signs:

  1. Mold growing on blackberries is an obvious sign of spoilage. This appears like white or green webs or spores.
  1. If the berries feel sticky or slimy upon touching, discard them. Moreover, if the bulbs are squished and the juice is oozing out of the berries, they are bad and should not be eaten.
  1. Give your berries a whiff. If they give off a sour smell, throw them away.

Can you get sick from eating spoiled blackberries?

Yes, eating spoiled blackberries can pose several health risks due to the presence of harmful pathogens and the breakdown of the fruit’s organic matter (1-5). 

Some of the potential dangers and symptoms associated with consuming spoiled blackberries include:

  • Bacterial contamination: Blackberries can become contaminated with various bacteria, such as Salmonella, E. coli, or Listeria. These pathogens can cause foodborne illnesses, resulting in symptoms like diarrhea, abdominal cramps, nausea, vomiting, and fever (1-2).
  • Mold growth: Spoiled blackberries may develop mold, such as gray mold (Botrytis cinerea) or green mold (Penicillium spp.). Ingesting moldy blackberries can lead to allergic reactions or mycotoxicosis (3, 5). 

Symptoms may include allergic rhinitis (runny nose, sneezing), coughing, wheezing, itchy throat, and skin rashes. 

Some molds also produce mycotoxins that can cause more severe symptoms depending on the type and amount consumed (3, 5).

  • Other fungal infections: Blackberries that are past their prime can also harbor fungal pathogens like Aspergillus or Rhizopus species. Ingesting these fungi can lead to fungal infections, particularly in individuals with weakened immune systems (4-5). 

Symptoms can vary depending on the specific fungal infection but may include respiratory issues, skin rashes, fever, and general malaise.

You should know that the symptoms and their severity may vary among individuals based on their overall health, immune system strength, the amount and type of pathogens ingested, and other factors. 

If you consumed spoiled blackberries and experience persistent or severe symptoms, you should seek medical attention promptly!

What should you do if you suspect you have eaten spoiled blackberries?

If you have eaten spoiled blackberries and suspect it may cause adverse effects, immediately stop consuming them. 

You should pay attention to symptoms like diarrhea, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, or fever, which are typical of food poisoning (6). 

If severe or persistent symptoms are experienced, you should seek medical assistance immediately. 

Finally, remember to stay hydrated by drinking fluids to prevent dehydration (7) and consult a healthcare professional for personalized advice.

How to properly handle blackberries to avoid spoilage?

To properly handle blackberries and avoid spoilage, follow these guidelines:

  • When storing blackberries, keep them refrigerated to extend their shelf life. Avoid washing them unless you plan to consume them immediately, as moisture can accelerate spoilage. 

Store blackberries in a porous container to prevent moisture accumulation and mold growth.

  • When buying blackberries, choose the freshest berries with a plump and uniform blue-black color. For the best quality, consider purchasing from farmer’s markets where the fruits are freshly harvested.
  • To store blackberries, inspect and remove any damaged or moldy berries to prevent spoilage from spreading. If consuming them right away, wash them before use. 

For longer storage, dry the berries after washing. If storing for a day, room temperature is acceptable, but for longer periods, refrigerate them.

  • Use well-vented containers, preferably the original vented clamshells, or containers with holes for proper air circulation. Line the container with paper towels to absorb excess moisture, especially for extended storage. 

Avoid stacking or overcrowding the berries to prevent crushing and mushiness.

  • To freeze blackberries, wash them thoroughly and dry them on paper towels to remove excess moisture. Flash freeze them on a baking tray or sheet without touching each other. Once solid, transfer the berries to a freezer bag, removing as much air as possible. 

Label the bag and store it in the freezer. Frozen blackberries can stay fresh for 6-8 months.

  • When thawing frozen blackberries, it is best to do so in the refrigerator overnight. If time is limited, you can dip the freezer bag in lukewarm water until the berries thaw.

In summary, refrigerate blackberries, avoid washing unless immediate use is intended, and store them in well-vented containers. 

You should also remove damaged berries, line containers with paper towels, and prevent crushing or overcrowding. 

Conclusion:

In this article, we answered the question “How to tell if blackberries are bad?”. Moreover, we discussed the health consequences of eating spoiled blackberries, and how to store blackberries to keep them fresh for longer.

References:

1. Hernández Hernández O, Gutiérrez-Escolano AL, Cancio-Lonches C, Iturriaga MH, Pacheco-Aguilar JR, Morales-Rayas R, et al. Multiplex PCR method for the detection of human norovirus, Salmonella spp., Shigella spp., and shiga toxin producing Escherichia coli in blackberry, coriander, lettuce and strawberry. Food Microbiol [Internet]. 2022 Apr 1 [cited 2023 Jun 3];102:103926. Available from: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0740002021001921 

2. Sales MM. An evaluation of blackberry harvest sanitation and the ability of foodborne pathogens to survive in blackberry products [Internet]. Food Science and Technology. 2013 [cited 2023 Jun 3]. Available from: https://ir.library.oregonstate.edu/concern/graduate_thesis_or_dissertations/g158bp19r 

3. LLEWELLYN G, T E, WV D. MYCOTOXINS: SUSCEPTIBILITY OF STRAWBERRIES, BLACKBERRIES, AND CHERRIES TO ASPERGILLUS MOLD GROWTH AND AFLATOXIN PRODUCTION. MYCOTOXINS SUSCEPTIBILITY STRAWBERRIES, BLACKBERRIES, CHERRIES TO ASPERGILLUS MOLD GROWTH AFLATOXIN Prod [Internet]. 1982 [cited 2023 Jun 3]; Available from: https://pascal-francis.inist.fr/vibad/index.php?action=getRecordDetail&idt=PASCAL83X0360510 

4. Chavez-Diaz IF, Mena-Violante HG, Hernandez-Lauzardo AN, Oyoque-Salcedo G, Oregel-Zamudio E, Angoa-Perez MV. Postharvest control of Rhizopus stolonifer on blackberry (Rubus fruticosus) by blackberry native crop bacteria. Rev la Fac Ciencias Agrar UNCuyo [Internet]. 2019 Dec 9 [cited 2023 Jun 3];51(2):306–17. Available from: https://revistas.uncu.edu.ar/ojs/index.php/RFCA/article/view/2703 

5. Tournas VH, Katsoudas E. Mould and yeast flora in fresh berries, grapes and citrus fruits. Int J Food Microbiol [Internet]. 2005 Nov 15 [cited 2023 Jun 3];105(1):11–7. Available from: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0168160505002710 

6. Milaciu M V, Ciumărnean L, Orășan OH, Para I, Alexescu T, Negrean V. Semiology of food poisoning. Int J Bioflux Soc [Internet]. 2015 [cited 2023 May 10];8(2):108–13. Available from: http://hvm.bioflux.com.ro/docs/2015.108-113.pdf 

7. McRobert GR. THE TREATMENT OF BACTERIAL FOOD POISONING. Br Med J [Internet]. 1934 Aug 8 [cited 2023 May 10];2(3841):304. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2445530/ 

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