Can you still eat mushrooms if they produce white foam when roasted?
Sep 20, 2024
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Yang Ziqi
Introduction
In general, it is safe to eat white foam produced when roasting mushrooms. The moisture inside the mushrooms evaporates into steam under high heat and then condenses into water droplets upon contact with the cooler baking tray or air. These droplets may fall back onto the mushroom surface, forming a white foam. Additionally, components in mushrooms such as proteins, fats, and carbohydrates undergo various changes at high temperatures, leading to the formation of white precipitates that adhere to the mushroom's surface.
In general, button mushrooms with white foam after roasting are safe to eat. The specific analysis is as follows:
The moisture in button mushrooms evaporates into steam under high heat and condenses into water droplets when it contacts the cooler baking tray or air. These droplets may fall back onto the mushroom surface, forming white foam. Additionally, components in button mushrooms such as proteins, fats, and carbohydrates undergo various changes at high temperatures—such as protein denaturation, fat breakdown, and carbohydrate caramelization—which can produce white precipitates or foam adhering to the mushroom's surface. These foams do not contain toxic substances, so roasted mushrooms with white foam remain edible.
When purchasing mushrooms, always choose fresh ones without damage or unpleasant odors, and avoid consuming spoiled mushrooms to ensure food safety and health. When roasting, adjust the heat appropriately according to actual conditions, avoiding excessive heat that could burn the mushrooms or generate excessive foam.
