Are moldy sweet potatoes safe to eat if skin is removed?

Mold is a type of fungus that can produce harmful toxins, and it can quickly spread throughout the potato. Removing the skin may reduce the amount of mold present, but it does not eliminate the risk of consuming harmful toxins.

Here are some reasons why you should avoid eating moldy sweet potatoes:

1. Mold can produce toxins: Some molds produce mycotoxins, which are toxic compounds that can cause various health problems, including nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. In some cases, mycotoxins can also damage the liver and kidneys.

2. Mold can spread easily: Mold can quickly spread throughout a sweet potato, even if it is not immediately visible. This means that even if you remove the visible mold, there may still be mold spores present that you cannot see.

3. Mold can affect the taste and texture: Mold can give sweet potatoes an unpleasant taste and texture, making them unpalatable.

For these reasons, it is best to discard moldy sweet potatoes and not consume them, even if the skin is removed.