White Stuff on Your Peach Pit – What Does It Mean?

Key Features of Cottony Leak:
Color
White, cotton-like, sometimes webby
Location
Inside the pit crack or seam — not on the flesh
Smell
Mild or slightly fermented — not foul or rotten
Flesh condition
Surrounding fruit is still firm and smells sweet
If the flesh of the peach is fine, and the white stuff is only on the pit, it’s likely cottony leak — and the fruit was safe to eat.
🍑 How It Happens – The Science Behind the White Stuff
Peaches are stone fruits — meaning they have a hard pit surrounded by juicy flesh.
Sometimes, tiny cracks or openings in the pit allow moisture to get trapped.
In warm, humid environments (like your fruit bowl or fridge drawer), this moisture can foster the growth of natural yeasts that are already present on the fruit’s surface.
These yeasts aren’t harmful — but they multiply in the dark, damp space of the pit.
Think of it like wild yeast in sourdough — it’s part of nature’s ecosystem.
🚫 When to Be Concerned – Signs It’s Not Cottony Leak
While cottony leak is harmless, there are times when white growth is a red flag.
Watch for These Warning Signs:
White fuzz on the fruit flesh