Can bok choy with root knots still be eaten?
Generally speaking, whether bok choy with root knots can be eaten depends primarily on whether the plant's tissue has been damaged. If the tissue has already been compromised, the bok choy should not be consumed; if the tissue remains intact, the bok choy is still safe to eat.
If the root knots have damaged the bok choy’s tissue, causing symptoms such as wilting or softening, or leading to spoilage and decay, then the vegetable should not be eaten. Consuming such bok choy may cause gastrointestinal discomfort and, in severe cases, could lead to health issues like gastroenteritis.
If the bok choy has developed root knots but the overall tissue structure remains undamaged, it is still edible. Root knots are a plant disease caused by root-knot bacteria, which form tumor-like growths on the plant's roots, but this condition does not affect the safety of the bok choy for consumption.
To ensure food safety and health in daily life, it is recommended to carefully inspect the appearance and texture of bok choy when purchasing and before eating, avoiding any that show signs of spoilage or possible contamination.