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🍎 The Shocking Discovery
Like any regular shopping trip, she grabbed a bag of apples from the produce section at Lidl. The fruit looked fresh from the outside — smooth skin, bright color, nothing unusual. But when she got home and bit into one?
It was rotten inside.
Not just a little bruised — the flesh was brown, mushy, and had mold growing near the core.
Some reports even mention small bugs or larvae in similar incidents.
🤢 How Does This Even Happen?
Internal apple rot (also called “brown heart” or “core rot”) is a common issue that can happen during:
- Storage or transport: Apples are often kept in cold storage for months. If temperatures fluctuate or storage is poorly managed, rot can begin from the inside.
- Damage during picking or packing: Even small bruises can lead to internal decay that isn’t immediately visible.
- Fungal contamination: Some apples may be infected during growth, especially if pesticides or fungicides aren’t applied properly.
This isn’t unique to Lidl — it can happen at any grocery store. But it’s still unpleasant when it happens to you.
🧐 How to Check Apples Before You Buy (or Bite)
Even if an apple looks fine on the outside, here are some tricks to spot a bad one:
- Squeeze gently: If it feels soft or gives in easily, it might be rotting inside.
- Check for a strong odor: Apples should smell fresh and slightly sweet — a fermented or sour smell can be a red flag.
- Look at the stem and base: Any signs of mold or unusual spots near the stem may indicate internal issues.
- Weigh it: Rotten apples often feel lighter than they should, due to moisture loss.
And if you’re buying pre-bagged apples, always check the bottom of the bag — that’s where bruised or leaking fruit tends to collect.
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