Can dried red dates be eaten if they are eaten by insects

Dried red dates can generally be consumed if there is no mold after being eaten by insects, but it is not recommended to consume them if there is mold or widespread insect infestation. The insect infestation of dried red dates may be related to factors such as humid storage environment and improper sealing. Minor insect infestation can be removed from the damaged parts and washed and dried. If dried red dates are only partially damaged and free of mold after being eaten by insects, the insect itself will not produce harmful substances. After removing the insect eaten parts and steaming at high temperature, they can still be safely consumed. High temperature can effectively kill residual insect eggs, and the rich nutrients such as iron and dietary fiber in red dates can still be absorbed by the human body. It is recommended to store dried red dates in a sealed container, add a small amount of Sichuan pepper or tangerine peel to repel insects, and place them in a cool and ventilated place to reduce the probability of insect infestation. If the insect infestation is accompanied by mold or the holes penetrate the entire red date, the mold may have contaminated the flesh and produced harmful substances such as aflatoxin, making it difficult to fully distinguish the contaminated area with the naked eye. Even if the surface spots of moldy red dates are removed, the internal mycelium may still spread, and high temperatures cannot completely degrade toxins, which may cause gastrointestinal discomfort or liver damage after consumption. In such cases, it is recommended to discard the entire batch to avoid losing out on small gains. Choose dry and plump red dates with intact skin when purchasing, and consume them as soon as possible after opening.

Daily storage of dried red dates can be done by exposing them to sunlight for sterilization and then sealing and freezing, which can extend their shelf life and inhibit the hatching of insect eggs. Before consumption, check for insect infestation or mold growth. Mild insect infestation can be treated by soaking in salt water to repel insects and then steaming. If mold growth occurs, it should be discarded immediately. Red jujube is rich in nutrition but high in sugar content. diabetes patients need to control their intake. Eating with nuts can delay the rise of blood sugar.