Are cherries with worms inside safe to eat?
Jan 21, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Yang Ziqi
Introduction
Under normal circumstances, cherries containing worms are not recommended for consumption. When purchasing cherries, carefully examine the appearance of the fruit and select cherries with smooth skin, uniform color, and no signs of insect damage. Store cherries in a dry, well-ventilated environment, avoiding high temperatures and moisture to reduce the growth of fruit fly larvae. Before consumption, soak the cherries in lightly salted water for 5–10 minutes.
Generally speaking, cherries containing worms are not recommended for consumption. The detailed explanation is as follows:
The worms found inside cherries are likely the larvae of fruit flies. These larvae may develop due to enclosed and humid conditions during the storage or transportation of cherries. Although fruit fly larvae themselves are not toxic and pose no direct harm to human health, their presence indicates that the cherries have already been contaminated by other bacteria or microorganisms. These microorganisms may affect human health, causing gastrointestinal symptoms such as diarrhea and abdominal pain. Even though the worms themselves are non-toxic, their presence affects the hygiene of the cherries and thereby reduces the eating experience.
When purchasing cherries, carefully examine the appearance of the fruits and choose cherries with smooth skin, uniform color, and no wormholes. Store cherries in a dry, well-ventilated environment, avoiding high temperatures and moisture, to reduce the breeding of fruit fly larvae. Before consumption, soak the cherries in a mild saltwater solution for 5–10 minutes, then rinse thoroughly with clean water. This method helps to flush out any hidden insects within the fruit and improves hygiene during consumption.
