Can cordyceps flowers still be eaten when they have turned sour?
Nov 06, 2024
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Zhang Xiuhong
Introduction
Under normal circumstances, cordyceps flowers that have turned sour indicate spoilage and should not be consumed. The sourness of cordyceps flowers is caused by improper storage leading to extensive bacterial growth; these bacteria break down the sugars in the cordyceps flowers and produce organic acids such as lactic acid, resulting in a sour taste. When purchasing cordyceps flowers, it is advisable to choose reputable sources and pay attention to the expiration date and storage conditions.
Under normal circumstances, if cordyceps flowers taste sour, it indicates spoilage, and they should not be consumed. The detailed explanation is as follows:
The sourness in cordyceps flowers is caused by improper storage leading to excessive bacterial growth. These bacteria break down the sugars in the cordyceps flowers and produce organic acids such as lactic acid, resulting in a sour taste. Consuming spoiled cordyceps flowers may cause gastrointestinal discomfort, and in severe cases, could lead to food poisoning. Therefore, once a sour or any other unusual odor is detected in cordyceps flowers, they should be discarded immediately to avoid consumption.
When purchasing cordyceps flowers, choose reputable sources and carefully check the expiration date and storage conditions. Additionally, maintain good dietary hygiene and avoid consuming expired or spoiled food to reduce food safety risks. The correct storage method is to keep cordyceps flowers in a cool, dry environment.
