Can fresh mushrooms with white fur still be eaten

If the white hairs of fresh mushrooms are mycelium and have no odor, they can usually be eaten. If there are mold spots or a sour smell, it is not recommended to eat them. Mushroom white hair growth may be caused by improper mycelial growth, storage, or mold growth, and should be judged comprehensively based on appearance and odor. The appearance of white fuzz on the surface of fresh mushrooms may be due to their naturally growing mycelium, especially in environments with high humidity, where the mycelium will continue to extend and form white flocs. These types of mushrooms usually have a tight texture, a fragrant aroma, evenly distributed white fur, and can be easily removed by gently wiping. Commonly found in varieties such as Pleurotus ostreatus and Pleurotus eryngii, it belongs to the edible part and does not affect safety after sufficient heating. But if the white hair is accompanied by a sticky and slippery feeling, green or black mold spots, or emits a sour and putrid odor, it indicates the growth of harmful mold. Mushrooms stored for too long or exposed to moisture are prone to mold contamination, producing toxins such as penicillin. Even if the moldy parts are removed, there is still a risk. Some mushroom varieties, such as Flammulina velutipes, have a small amount of white aerial mycelium, and white crystalline guanylate may also precipitate during the drying process of shiitake mushrooms, which are normal phenomena. But if it is stored for more than a week after purchase, or if water droplets condense in the packaging bag and the white fur quickly spreads to cover the entire mushroom body, the probability of spoilage is higher. It is recommended to store mushrooms in breathable paper bags for refrigeration and consume them as soon as possible. Before cooking, check for elasticity and no mucus. Elderly, children, and immunocompromised individuals should avoid consuming any suspected spoiled mushrooms.

When storing mushrooms in daily life, kitchen paper can be used to absorb moisture and avoid sealing plastic bags, which can accelerate the decay of condensed water. When selecting, choose products with intact umbrella covers and bright gills. It is important to carefully distinguish wild mushrooms with long white hairs. If you accidentally consume spoiled mushrooms and experience symptoms such as abdominal pain and vomiting, seek medical attention immediately. Reasonable combination of dietary fiber and vitamin C can promote heavy metal metabolism. When cooking, it is recommended to blanch in boiling water before stir frying to reduce potential risks.