Can moldy mushrooms be eaten?

Otherwise, it will dry out and shrink, indicating that it has started to spoil. So, how can you tell if a mushroom has spoiled? Here are some tips to help you identify a mushroom that has lost its freshness:

Mushrooms are a frequently preferred food in kitchens due to their nutritional content and flavor. Rich in antioxidants, protein, fiber and minerals, mushrooms can maintain their freshness under the right storage conditions. However, when stored incorrectly or kept for a long time, they can show signs of mold and spoilage. So, can moldy mushrooms be consumed? What are their health risks?

Mold is a microorganism that can multiply rapidly in moist environments, like fungi. Mold that is noticed on the surface of the fungus can usually be gray, green, white or black. Even fungi that do not appear moldy can sometimes have mold contamination at a microscopic level.

Consuming moldy mushrooms is definitely not recommended. Some types of mold can produce toxic substances called mycotoxins. Mycotoxins can weaken the immune system, cause digestive problems and lead to liver damage in the long term.

The body's possible reactions to consuming moldy mushrooms can be listed as follows:

There are some signs that indicate that the mushroom has lost its freshness:

It may not be enough to just cut off the moldy part of mushrooms that show these symptoms, because mold spores can continue to spread in areas that are not visible to the eye.

To prevent mushrooms from becoming moldy, proper storage conditions should be observed:

Moldy mushrooms are definitely a food that should not be consumed. Mycotoxins and other harmful microorganisms can seriously threaten health. All mushrooms that show signs of spoilage should be thrown away, only the moldy part should not be cut and consumed. Correct storage conditions should be observed to preserve the freshness of mushrooms. The best approach would be to use mushrooms on time for healthy and safe consumption. In case of consumption of moldy mushrooms, symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea may be observed. In more serious cases, respiratory tract disorders or neurological problems may occur. It poses a greater risk especially for people with weak immune systems, children and the elderly.