What are those cobwebs I find sometimes in walnuts?

June 22, 2006 5:03 AM

Mmm, walnuts. Hey, what's that cobweb stuff?

Every now and again when I'm shelling and eating walnuts, I'll crack open a nut and find a cobweb like substance inside.

I guess it's some sort of bug, I've never found any little crawlies in there. I also wonder if it's safe to eat? Any ideas?

posted by tomble to Food & Drink (6 answers total)

I believe it's fungal.
posted by polyglot at 6:39 AM on June 22, 2006

Generally speaking, if you have to wonder if something is safe to eat, it's better to assume that it isn't. Better safe than sorry, y'know.
posted by cerebus19 at 6:46 AM on June 22, 2006

I've always assumed it was moth eggs. If the shell is compromised by even the smallest crack I'm sure a moth can get in there to lay its eggs.
posted by any major dude at 7:15 AM on June 22, 2006

Sounds like moths to me, like you might find in old cereal. I sure wouldn't eat it.
posted by Faint of Butt at 7:39 AM on June 22, 2006

they're in pistachios, too. ew yuck.
posted by goethean at 9:08 AM on June 22, 2006

Dodgy nuts can be toxic and carcinogenic. Aflatoxin is not pleasant, and can even be weaponised. Nuts open to the atmosphere for long periods of time can easily develop opportunistic Aspergillus cultures.
posted by meehawl at 9:34 AM on June 22, 2006