Mushrooms have a smell of alcohol, is it bad

Mushrooms with a smell of alcohol usually indicate spoilage and are not recommended for continued consumption. Mushroom spoilage may be caused by improper storage, prolonged storage time, moisture and mold growth, bacterial growth, high temperature, and other reasons. Fresh mushrooms themselves have a light earthy or woody aroma, and if there is a noticeable alcoholic taste, it is often related to microbial fermentation. When mushrooms are stored in a damp environment or improperly sealed, causing the growth of microorganisms such as yeast, they will decompose the sugar and produce alcoholic substances. This fermentation process is often accompanied by changes such as softening of texture, slippery surface, or yellowing of color, which may cause gastrointestinal discomfort after consumption. In rare cases, some edible mushroom products made by special fermentation processes may have a wine aroma flavor, such as processed foods like fermented mushrooms. However, the spontaneous alcohol smell of ordinary fresh or dried mushrooms is an abnormal phenomenon, especially when there are mold spots, worsening odors, or tissue decay at the same time. It is necessary to immediately discard the spoiled mushrooms. It is recommended to wear gloves to avoid direct contact with the moldy parts and thoroughly clean and disinfect the storage container.

Daily storage of mushrooms should be kept dry and ventilated. Fresh mushrooms that have not been consumed can be wrapped in kitchen paper and placed in a breathable fresh-keeping box for refrigeration. Try to consume them within 3 days. Dried mushrooms should be sealed and stored away from light. Before use, check for insect infestation or clumping. If symptoms such as abdominal pain and vomiting occur after ingesting spoiled mushrooms, seek medical attention promptly and bring the remaining samples for testing. When choosing mushrooms, pay attention to whether the mushroom cap is tight and the color of the gills is uniform, to avoid purchasing products with excessive moisture or condensation of water vapor inside the packaging.