Can eating raw wood ear mushrooms cause poisoning?

Generally speaking, whether eating raw wood ear mushrooms (black fungus) can cause poisoning depends on the type of mushroom and how it is processed. Dried wood ear mushrooms that are fully rehydrated and thoroughly cooked are safe to eat and will not cause poisoning; however, fresh wood ear mushrooms or improperly soaked dried ones that are not fully cooked may lead to poisoning. The details are as follows:

During the drying process, most harmful porphyrin substances in dried wood ear mushrooms have already broken down. After thoroughly rinsing with running water during soaking, blanching in boiling water for at least five minutes and cooking completely, any residual impurities are removed and the mushrooms are safe to consume. These mushrooms are nutritious and safe to eat.

Fresh wood ear mushrooms contain large amounts of photosensitive porphyrin compounds. If eaten raw and followed by exposure to sunlight, they may cause skin itching, redness, swelling, and other discomforts. If dried mushrooms are soaked too long in warm water, bacteria can grow and produce toxins; consuming them without thorough cooking may result in symptoms such as nausea and vomiting. In such cases, immediate induced vomiting and drinking plenty of warm water are recommended.

In daily consumption, dried wood ear mushrooms are preferred. Soak them briefly in cold water, and consume promptly after rehydration or store in the refrigerator. Always wash thoroughly and cook well before eating. Avoid consuming fresh wood ear mushrooms or those that have spoiled during soaking.