Short Answer: If you accidentally eat bad green onions, you may get sick from food poisoning or mold toxins.
Green onions are vegetables derived from various species in the genus Allium.
They have a mild taste and are often used raw or cooked in salads, salsas, soups, stir-fries, and other dishes.
Green onions are also known as scallions, spring onions, or salad onions.
If you accidentally eat bad green onions, you may experience some unpleasant symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or abdominal pain.
This is because bad green onions may contain harmful bacteria, such as Salmonella, E. coli, or Listeria, that can cause food poisoning.
Bad green onions can also have a slimy texture, a foul odor, or a bitter taste.
These are signs that the green onions have gone rotten or moldy.
Moldy green onions can produce toxins that can damage your liver, kidneys, or nervous system.
It is quite uncommon to eat bad green onions due to their short shelf life and distinctive appearance.
However, if you are not sure whether your green onions are still fresh, you can check for signs of rot such as wilted leaves, soft spots, discoloration, or a bad smell.
You can prevent or treat food poisoning from bad green onions by following these steps:
- Wash your hands before and after handling green onions.
- Store green onions in the refrigerator crisper drawer in a loose, perforated bag or lightly wrapped in a moist paper towel. Use them within one to two weeks.
- Cut off and discard any parts of the green onions that look or smell bad. Rinse the rest of the green onions under cold running water before using them.
- Cook green onions thoroughly to kill any bacteria that may be present. Avoid eating raw green onions if you have a weak immune system or are pregnant.
- If you experience any symptoms of food poisoning, such as fever, chills, headache, or dehydration, seek medical attention immediately. Drink plenty of fluids and eat bland foods to ease your stomach.
Finally, remember, green onions are a nutritious and delicious vegetable that can enhance your dishes.
However, they can also spoil quickly and cause food poisoning if not handled properly.
Therefore, always check the quality of your green onions before using them and store them correctly to extend their freshness.