Can I still eat black fungus that has expired for 6 years

Ear fungus that has expired for 6 years is usually not recommended for consumption as there may be a risk of mold growth or nutrient loss. Auricularia auricula belongs to dried mushrooms, with a shelf life of generally 1-2 years. Long term storage is prone to moisture and deterioration.

Dried fungus may only experience nutrient loss in a sealed and dry environment, but when it exceeds its shelf life of 6 years, the protein and active ingredients have been significantly degraded, resulting in extremely low edible value. What needs to be more vigilant is that harmful microorganisms such as Aspergillus flavus may breed during storage, producing invisible toxins that cannot be completely destroyed by high-temperature cooking. If mold spots, odor, or sticky texture are found on the fungus, it must be discarded immediately. In special circumstances, if the fungus is always vacuum frozen and has no abnormalities in appearance, theoretically the probability of toxin growth is low, but the nutritional content cannot be guaranteed. It is recommended to prioritize fresh dry goods within their shelf life, pay attention to clean water quality when soaking, and avoid overnight storage when soaking and eating. Daily storage should be placed in a cool and dry place, and packaged and sealed as soon as possible after opening. Food safety is no small matter, expired food may cause gastrointestinal discomfort and even poisoning. It is recommended to regularly check the shelf life of dry goods at home and discard moldy food. Small packaging of black fungus can be selected for daily use to reduce waste. After soaking, it should be thoroughly cleaned and cooked, and paired with fresh vegetables and fruits to supplement dietary fiber and enhance liver detoxification ability. If you experience abdominal pain and vomiting after ingesting expired fungus, seek medical attention promptly.