Can wood ear mushrooms be eaten after soaking in cold water for 9 hours?

Mar 17, 2022 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Lu Yanli
Introduction
Black fungus should not be consumed if soaked for nine hours. If the indoor temperature exceeds 20°C and the soaking time exceeds eight hours, bacterial growth due to spoilage may increase several-fold to dozens of times, potentially leading to toxin production. Prolonged soaking of black fungus can result in the formation of bacillomycin D (a mycotoxin), and symptoms after ingestion resemble those of mushroom poisoning—such as dizziness, vertigo, generalized weakness, or impaired consciousness.

Black fungus (wood ear) offers multiple health benefits, including invigorating qi and strengthening the body, nourishing the kidneys and stomach, and promoting blood circulation. It also possesses anticoagulant, antithrombotic, and lipid-lowering properties. So, is it safe to consume black fungus soaked in cold water for nine hours?

Is it safe to eat black fungus soaked in cold water for nine hours?

No, black fungus soaked for nine hours should not be consumed. If the ambient temperature exceeds 20°C, soaking for more than eight hours may cause spoilage, increasing bacterial counts several- to dozens-fold—and potentially leading to toxin formation. Prolonged soaking of black fungus can produce *Bacillus cereus*-derived toxic compound—bongkrekic acid—which causes symptoms similar to mushroom poisoning: dizziness, vertigo, generalized weakness, or even loss of consciousness. Crucially, this toxin exhibits exceptional thermal stability; neither blanching nor high-temperature cooking can neutralize it.

During rehydration, soaking time must be minimized. Typically, black fungus requires only one to two hours of cold-water soaking before consumption, with a maximum recommended duration of four hours. Black fungus helps replenish qi and blood, moisten the lungs and calm the mind, cool the blood and stop bleeding, and enhance immune function. Rich in iron, it aids in preventing and managing iron-deficiency anemia and supports healthy skin and complexion. Additionally, it contains abundant plant-based collagen-like polysaccharides, which possess strong adsorptive capacity—acting as a natural “scavenger” within the human body.

The above addresses the question, “Is it safe to eat black fungus soaked in cold water for nine hours?” We hope this information proves helpful.


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