Can you still eat walnut kernels if they have grown mold?
Moldy walnut kernels are generally not safe to eat.
Walnut kernels contain protein, unsaturated fatty acids, and minerals such as calcium, phosphorus, potassium, and iron, offering benefits like relieving constipation, promoting sleep, and supporting brain health. The mold growth on walnut kernels may result from storage in a dark, damp environment, leading to contamination with aflatoxin and visible mold. Consuming moldy walnuts may allow fungi to enter the intestines, infecting the gastrointestinal mucosa and causing discomfort such as diarrhea, abdominal pain, vomiting, nausea, or even food poisoning. Long-term consumption may also increase the risk of cancer.
Walnut kernels should be stored in a dry environment and not kept for extended periods to prevent spoilage.