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Location: Only in the crevices of the pit, not on the edible fruit flesh.
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Smell: The peach itself still smells sweet and fresh, perhaps with a very mild, fermented note from the yeast.
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Fruit Condition: The surrounding peach flesh is still firm, juicy, and shows no signs of spoilage.
If the white substance is only on the pit and the fruit looks and smells fine, the peach was safe to eat.
When Should You Be Concerned? (Red Flags)
While cottony leak is harmless, you should discard the peach if you see any of these warning signs, which indicate true spoilage or mold:
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Fuzz on the Flesh: White or grey fuzzy growth on the soft fruit itself.
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Mushy or Discolored Fruit: The flesh is soft, brown, slimy, or leaking dark juice.
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Offensive Odor: The peach smells sour, alcoholic, or outright rotten.
✅ The Bottom Line: If the problem is confined to the pit, you’re fine. If the edible flesh is affected, throw it out.
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