Can cooked wood ear mushrooms be eaten the next day?

Generally speaking, whether cooked wood ear fungus (Auricularia auricula-judae) can be consumed the next day depends on the storage conditions and the state of the fungus. The specific situations are as follows:

If cooked wood ear fungus is not completely consumed on the same day, it can typically be eaten the next day if promptly sealed in a clean, oil-free container, refrigerated, and stored for no more than 24 hours. After removal, if there is no unusual odor, no sliminess, and the texture appears normal, it should be thoroughly heated to a core temperature above 75°C before consumption. A cold, sealed environment inhibits bacterial growth and reduces the production of harmful substances, while thorough heating further lowers the risk of consumption.

If cooked wood ear fungus has been left at room temperature for more than 4 hours overnight, or was not sealed during refrigeration, stored in a contaminated container, or exhibits an unusual odor, sliminess, or a soft and mushy texture upon removal, it must not be consumed. Bacteria can multiply rapidly at room temperature and may produce toxins such as bacillus cereus toxin, which are heat-resistant and cannot be eliminated even by thorough heating. Consumption may easily lead to severe poisoning, endangering health.

Cook only the amount of wood ear fungus needed and try to consume it all at once. If storage is necessary, ensure it is promptly sealed and refrigerated, and consumed within 24 hours. Before consumption, thoroughly reheat and carefully inspect its condition. Discard immediately if any abnormalities are noticed. If abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea, or other discomfort occurs after accidentally consuming suspicious wood ear fungus, seek medical attention immediately to avoid delays in treatment.