Can mushrooms still be eaten if they have a stinky foot odor

Mushrooms with a foul foot odor are usually not recommended for consumption, as this odor may be caused by spoilage or special breed characteristics. Fresh mushrooms should have a fragrant or earthy aroma, and abnormal odors often indicate microbial contamination or chemical residue. Fresh edible mushrooms may breed bacteria during storage due to excessive moisture or improper temperature, producing a sulfide odor similar to foot odor. These types of mushrooms not only have a worse taste, but may also contain pathogenic toxins, which can easily cause gastrointestinal discomfort if ingested by mistake. Some wild mushrooms, such as sulfur mushrooms, have a special odor but require professional identification before consumption, making it difficult for ordinary people to distinguish whether they are safe.

A few artificially cultivated varieties such as Black Tiger Palm fungus will naturally produce similar odors, but it is necessary to ensure that the source is legitimate and has undergone food safety testing. If the mushroom variety or storage conditions cannot be confirmed, any odor should be considered a danger signal. Cooking at high temperatures can kill some microorganisms, but cannot degrade certain toxins, and the risk still exists.

It is recommended to choose dry, undamaged, and fragrant mushrooms when purchasing, and to store them in a well ventilated and dry environment. Even if the appearance is normal after an odor appears, it should be discarded to avoid food poisoning caused by small losses. Wild mushroom harvesting carries a high risk, and non professionals should not attempt it on their own. If mushrooms are found to be abnormal in daily diet, it is better to waste them than take the risk of consuming them.