Can pears still be eaten if the middle is black

If the middle of a pear turns black due to oxidation or slight bumps, it can usually be eaten, but it is not recommended to eat if it is accompanied by mold or decay. The blackening of pear flesh may be caused by various factors. Oxidation reaction is a common cause, and phenolic substances in the fruit pulp oxidize to form brown substances when exposed to air. This only affects the appearance and can still be safely consumed after removing the discolored parts. Mechanical damage may also cause local cell rupture and browning. If no microorganisms grow, the remaining part after removing the damaged area usually has no safety hazards. Improper low-temperature storage may cause internal browning of pears, which belongs to cold damage rather than spoilage. The taste may deteriorate, but it is generally non-toxic. Special attention should be paid to blackening caused by mold or decay. Moldy pears may produce harmful substances such as penicillin, and even if visible mold spots are removed, the mycelium may have spread throughout the entire fruit. Rotting pears often have spoilage characteristics such as sour taste and stickiness, and microbial metabolites may cause gastrointestinal discomfort. Patients with diabetes or people with low immunity should be more cautious, and moldy food may induce more serious health risks. When purchasing, choose pears with intact skin and no soft rot, cut them open and consume them as soon as possible or store them in refrigeration. When storing pears in daily life, they can be wrapped in plastic wrap to reduce oxidation. If local spoilage is found, it should be thoroughly removed and the surrounding flesh should be inspected. Before consumption, pay attention to observing changes in odor and texture. Moldy fruits are difficult to completely destroy toxins even when cooked at high temperatures, and it is recommended to discard them directly. Keeping cutting tools and cutting boards clean can reduce the risk of cross contamination, and purchasing in moderation can avoid long-term storage.