Avoid These 5 Vegetables During Monsoon to Prevent Food Poisoning

The monsoon season may bring much-needed relief from the heat, but it also creates the perfect environment for bacteria, fungi, and germs to flourish. This makes food safety especially important during this time — and some everyday vegetables can actually pose health risks if consumed during the rainy season.

Nutritionist Kiran Kukreja warns that certain vegetables, which are otherwise healthy, should be avoided in monsoon due to their tendency to spoil quickly or harbor bacteria. Here are 5 vegetables you should skip this season:

1. Green Leafy Vegetables (Spinach, Fenugreek, etc.)

Leafy greens tend to absorb excess moisture and dirt. During monsoon, they are more prone to bacterial and fungal contamination. Even after thorough washing, harmful particles can remain and lead to food poisoning, diarrhea, or infections.

2. Brinjal (Eggplant)

Brinjal is known to spoil quickly, especially during humid weather. It also tends to get infested with insects during this time. Some people may be sensitive to brinjal, which can cause bloating, stomach pain, or allergic reactions.

3. Cabbage and Cauliflower

These vegetables often trap moisture and hide insects or worms inside their folds. They’re also known to harbor bacteria that can survive despite washing. Eating them during the monsoon may cause stomach infections or digestive discomfort.

4. Mushrooms

Mushrooms are already grown in damp conditions and spoil very quickly in humid weather. If not fresh, they can cause food poisoning or gastrointestinal issues. Avoid soft, darkened, or slimy mushrooms at all costs.

5. Sprouted Potatoes

Sprouted potatoes develop solanine, a toxic compound that can harm the digestive and nervous systems. If your potatoes have green patches or sprouts, it's best to throw them away, especially during monsoon.

So, What’s Safe to Eat in Monsoon?

According to nutritionist Kiran Kukreja, low-moisture vegetables are safer in the rainy season. You can include:

• Bottle gourd (lauki)

• Ridge gourd (tori)

• Pointed gourd (parwal)

• Cluster beans (guar phali)

These vegetables are less likely to retain moisture or harbor germs and are easier on the digestive system during this sensitive time.