Can I still eat the wood ear mushrooms soaked in the morning if it's now evening?

Generally, wood ear mushrooms (black fungus) soaked in the morning can be safely consumed at night, provided they are soaked under appropriate conditions and show no signs of spoilage. However, prolonged soaking in high-temperature environments is not recommended. If in doubt, it is advisable to consult a healthcare professional in advance. The detailed analysis is as follows:

If the ambient temperature during soaking is low, or if the mushrooms are soaked entirely under refrigeration, and there are no abnormalities such as unpleasant odor, stickiness, or discoloration, it is completely safe to consume them at night. These soaking methods effectively inhibit bacterial growth, maintain normal texture of the mushrooms, and pose no health risks after thorough cooking.

However, if soaked in a high-temperature environment—for example, left at room temperature during summer for more than 8 hours—the wood ear mushrooms may spoil due to bacterial proliferation, showing signs such as stickiness, sour smell, or slippery surface. Consuming such spoiled mushrooms may cause gastrointestinal discomfort, including abdominal pain and diarrhea, and they should be discarded immediately and not eaten.

To ensure safety, limit soaking time—no more than 4 hours at room temperature, and consider refrigerated soaking during hot weather. Always inspect the mushrooms carefully before consumption and discard any that show signs of spoilage. Ensure they are thoroughly cooked before eating to minimize food safety risks, and seek medical attention promptly if any discomfort occurs after consumption.