Can mushrooms still be eaten after being refrigerated for 15 days

If there is no odor, mold or texture softening after 15 days of refrigeration, shiitake mushrooms can usually be consumed. If the above signs of spoilage occur due to improper storage, it is not recommended to continue consuming. When shiitake mushrooms are stored in a refrigerated environment for 15 days, their safety mainly depends on storage conditions and the freshness of the mushrooms themselves. When the refrigeration temperature is controlled between 0-4 degrees Celsius and well sealed, the cell activity of shiitake mushrooms will decrease, water loss will slow down, and the growth rate of microorganisms will be inhibited. If the surface of the shiitake mushroom is dry and free of mucus, the cap is tight and undamaged, the gills are white or light yellow, and there is a faint mushroom aroma, it indicates that it is still in an edible state. This type of mushroom can be prioritized for stewing soup or high-temperature frying, as sufficient heating can further kill any bacteria that may exist. Some shiitake mushrooms may have sticky caps, blackened edges, and green brown gills due to approaching the spoilage period before refrigeration, or being damp and poorly sealed during storage. This type of spoiled mushroom can breed a large number of microorganisms, producing harmful substances such as penicillin, which are difficult to completely remove even when cooked at high temperatures. Ingestion may cause gastrointestinal discomfort symptoms such as abdominal pain and diarrhea, with a higher risk for immunocompromised individuals. If mold spots or a sour smell are found on mushrooms after refrigeration, they should be discarded immediately.

For daily storage of shiitake mushrooms, it is recommended to wrap them in kitchen paper and put them in a fresh-keeping box to avoid the accumulation of condensed water. Mushrooms that have been refrigerated for more than 7 days should be thoroughly checked for condition before cooking, and priority should be given to blanching. Elderly people, children, and gastrointestinal sensitive individuals should try to choose fresh mushrooms within 3 days to reduce food safety risks. If discomfort occurs after consuming refrigerated shiitake mushrooms, seek medical attention promptly and keep food samples for testing.