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+--- Thread: You See Those Black Onions and Esha Tomatoes? Run! (/thread-31277.html)
You See Those Black Onions and Esha Tomatoes? Run! - FarmKing - 10-25-2025
You’ll walk into the market, pass several baskets of onions, and somehow end up picking that one covered with black powdery spots 🤌🏽
Those black patches aren’t dirt — they’re from a fungus called Aspergillus niger. Some strains of this fungus produce Ochratoxin, a dangerous toxin that can damage your kidneys.
That same fungus can also cause ear infections (otomycosis), and when inhaled, may lead to lung infections (aspergillosis) — especially in people with weak immunity such as those with diabetes, HIV, or on long-term steroid medication.
Healthy people rarely get infected, but it’s still not worth the risk.
Then you move to the next stall and spot those squashed, half-rotten tomatoes piled in one corner — the cheap ones everyone calls “Esha or Awalawa tomato” 😭🤌🏽
Unfortunately, those tomatoes are a perfect breeding ground for another fungus, Aspergillus flavus. This one produces Aflatoxins — extremely toxic substances that can damage the liver and even cause liver cancer.
Now I know what you’re thinking — “Once I cook or fry it very well, everything harmful will die.”
Sorry, but that doesn’t work. Heat can kill the fungus, yes, but not the toxins it has already released. These toxins are heat-resistant, so they remain dangerous even after cooking.
If you must buy onions, peel off the outer skin and make sure the inside is firm and not soft. If it’s soft, please throw it away.
As for the Esha tomatoes… 😅
Just leave them alone and buy fresh, firm ones instead.
Your health is worth more than a few naira saved. 🫵🏽
RE: You See Those Black Onions and Esha Tomatoes? Run! - CtrlAltDel - 10-25-2025
Wow, I never knew those black spots on onions could be that dangerous. I always thought it was just dirt from storage. Thanks for this eye opener. I’m definitely inspecting my onions better from now on.
RE: You See Those Black Onions and Esha Tomatoes? Run! - Donk - 10-25-2025
This post needs to go viral. Most people think boiling or frying removes all the bad stuff. They don’t realize toxins can survive heat. Please people, don’t risk your health because of ₦1000 difference.
RE: You See Those Black Onions and Esha Tomatoes? Run! - YoungAgropreneur - 10-25-2025
Honestly, people underestimate how powerful fungi are. It’s not only spoiled food. Sometimes even stored grains can carry these same toxins. Always check your food for mold before using it.
RE: You See Those Black Onions and Esha Tomatoes? Run! - The Farmer - 10-25-2025
This is one of those posts that make you rethink your market habits. Cheap food today, hospital bills tomorrow. Prevention is definitely cheaper.
RE: You See Those Black Onions and Esha Tomatoes? Run! - Kryon - 10-25-2025
The part that shocked me is that cooking doesn’t kill the toxins 😳. I always believed frying would make it safe. Thank you for explaining this clearly.
RE: You See Those Black Onions and Esha Tomatoes? Run! - Danny - 10-25-2025
Funny how we always think we’re saving money when we buy cheap, but in reality, we might be paying with our health later. Eye-opening post!
RE: You See Those Black Onions and Esha Tomatoes? Run! - Farm-ninja - 10-25-2025
We need food inspectors in markets honestly. Some of these traders knowingly sell bad produce. Health education should be part of market regulations.
RE: You See Those Black Onions and Esha Tomatoes? Run! - AgMan - 10-25-2025
Thank you for this reminder. Health is wealth truly. No amount of savings can buy a new liver or kidney. Fresh food only from now on.