Can you still eat cherries that have turned yellow inside?
Nov 10, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Yu Yongchao
Introduction
In general, whether yellowed cherries are edible depends on the specific cause and extent of the discoloration. If in doubt, it is recommended to avoid consuming them. When selecting cherries, choose those with bright red skin, plump flesh, and no damage to reduce the likelihood of yellowing and spoilage. After purchase, store them promptly in a refrigerator and avoid leaving them at room temperature for extended periods.
Generally speaking, whether yellowing inside cherries is safe to eat depends on the specific cause and extent of the discoloration. If in doubt, it's best to avoid consuming them. Detailed analysis is as follows:
If only a small portion of the cherry's flesh has slightly turned yellow, with no unpleasant odor, firm texture, and without signs of softness, mushiness, or juice leakage, the change is likely due to overripeness or natural variety characteristics. Such cherries are generally safe to eat, although their taste may be slightly inferior to fresh, bright red ones, and sweetness might be somewhat reduced.
If the yellowing inside the cherry is extensive and accompanied by a noticeable foul smell, soft or mushy texture, stickiness, or mold spots, this indicates spoilage and bacterial or fungal growth, making the cherry unsafe to eat. Consuming spoiled cherries may irritate the gastrointestinal tract, causing stomach pain, diarrhea, or other discomforts, potentially harming health.
When selecting cherries, choose those with bright red skin, plump flesh, and no damage to minimize the risk of discoloration or spoilage. After purchase, store them promptly in the refrigerator and avoid leaving them at room temperature for extended periods. If you notice internal yellowing, carefully examine the condition—when in doubt, do not consume them—to ensure food safety.
