Are the black spots inside the rice stem lettuce edible?

Generally speaking, whether one can eat the black spots inside the water bamboo shoot (Zizania latifolia) depends on the specific situation. If the black spots are a normal physiological phenomenon and have no unpleasant odor, they are usually safe to eat. However, if the black spots result from spoilage, accompanied by an unpleasant smell and a soft, mushy texture, consumption is not recommended. Detailed explanations are as follows:

If the water bamboo shoot only has a few black spots inside, with a smooth, undamaged skin free of yellow spots, no unpleasant odor when cut open, and a firm texture, it can be normally cooked and consumed after thorough washing. This will not affect health, taste, or nutritional value.

If the water bamboo shoot contains numerous densely distributed black spots, and its skin shows signs of softness, yellow spots, or damage, or if it emits an acidic or foul smell when cut open, it indicates spoilage has occurred, and harmful microorganisms may have proliferated. Consuming such water bamboo shoots may irritate the gastrointestinal tract, causing discomfort symptoms such as bloating and diarrhea. It should be discarded immediately and not consumed.

In daily life, when purchasing water bamboo shoots, choose those with white skin, firm texture, no black spots or unpleasant odors. They should be stored in the refrigerator to maintain freshness and avoid prolonged storage at room temperature. Consuming them while fresh ensures both safety and optimal taste.