Can enoki mushrooms still be eaten if they've grown larger after being stored in the refrigerator?

Whether enoki mushrooms that have grown larger in the refrigerator are still edible depends on whether spoilage has occurred—they may be safe to eat or not, depending on the situation.

1. Unspoiled

After harvesting, enoki mushrooms typically retain high physiological activity. Moreover, refrigerators provide a dark, cool environment that is conducive to their continued growth. Therefore, enoki mushrooms can keep growing even when stored in the refrigerator. If they have grown larger but show no signs of spoilage, this is generally a normal physiological process and they remain safe to consume. Eating them can help supply nutrients, promote gastrointestinal motility, and enhance digestive function.

2. Spoiled

If the enoki mushrooms have developed signs of spoilage during storage—such as discoloration, unpleasant odor, or sliminess—they should not be eaten. Spoiled mushrooms may harbor significant amounts of pathogenic bacteria, and consuming them could lead to symptoms like nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain due to bacterial infection, potentially negatively affecting health.