Can white mushrooms turn red when soaked in water and still be eaten

It is generally not recommended to continue consuming white mushrooms that turn red when soaked in water. The turning red of white mushrooms may be caused by oxidation reactions or microbial contamination, posing a food safety risk. Fresh white mushrooms contain phenolic substances, which can easily undergo enzymatic browning reactions upon contact with air, resulting in a red color. Although this oxidation reaction does not produce highly toxic substances, it may be accompanied by the loss of nutrients and a decrease in taste. If the freshness of the mushroom itself is poor, the cells will rupture and accelerate oxidation after soaking in water, and the color change will be more obvious. It is recommended to choose mushrooms with tight caps and uniform colors when selecting, and cook them as soon as possible after cutting to avoid prolonged exposure. Some wild mushroom varieties themselves contain natural pigments, which may cause color changes when dissolved in water. But the reddening of white mushrooms cultivated by ordinary humans is more related to improper storage. If there is a sticky texture, odor, or blackened gills at the same time, it may indicate the growth of bacteria or mold. Eating spoiled mushrooms by mistake may cause gastrointestinal discomfort, leading to symptoms such as abdominal pain and diarrhea. Mushrooms should be kept dry and ventilated for daily storage, and refrigerated for no more than three days.

Before consuming mushrooms, it is necessary to carefully inspect their appearance and odor. White mushrooms that have changed color may not completely eliminate the risk even if cooked at high temperatures. Suggest discarding the red mushrooms and choosing fresh ingredients. In daily diet, other mushrooms such as shiitake mushrooms and enoki mushrooms can be paired to ensure balanced nutrition and reduce food safety hazards. If discomfort occurs after ingestion, seek medical attention promptly and keep the sample for testing.