Can silver ear fungus soup be consumed the next day?
I am 18 years old and would like to know whether it's safe to drink silver ear fungus soup overnight.
Doctor's answer (1)
Generally, it is not recommended to consume tremella fungus soup overnight.
Tremella fungus soup is rich in protein, carbohydrates, and water, making it an ideal culture medium for bacterial growth. If stored at room temperature for more than 2 hours, the total bacterial count may double. Although refrigeration can inhibit bacterial proliferation, it cannot completely eliminate bacteria. If not thoroughly heated after being left overnight, it may cause acute gastroenteritis, with symptoms including abdominal pain, diarrhea, and vomiting. If stored in a humid environment or in an unclean container, mold may contaminate the tremella fungus soup and produce potent carcinogens such as aflatoxins and ochratoxins. These toxins are heat-resistant and cannot be fully decomposed even when heated, and long-term intake may increase the risk of liver and kidney cancers.
The B-complex vitamins and vitamin C in tremella fungus are susceptible to oxidation and decomposition overnight. Vitamin C activity may decrease after being exposed at room temperature for 2 hours. Tremella polysaccharides, the main active components, have a β-1,3-glucan structure that may be hydrolyzed during prolonged storage, leading to reduced viscosity and weakened immune-modulating and blood sugar-lowering effects.
From a health perspective, it is recommended to consume freshly prepared tremella fungus soup to fully benefit from its nutritional value and health properties. If storage is necessary, ensure it is well sealed and promptly refrigerated, and ideally consumed within two days. Additionally, thorough heating should be performed before consumption to kill any potential bacteria and ensure food safety.
