Will black fungus be poisoned if it is soaked for too long? -- Aflatoxin is the culprit

Fungus is delicious and nutritious, and is a "regular guest" on our dining table. But I heard that eating fungus that has been soaked for too long can cause poisoning? Why is this?

Although wood ear itself is not toxic, wood ear that has been soaked for too long is easily infected with Pseudomonas cerebrovenans. The fumonisin toxin secreted by it is the "culprit" that causes poisoning.

Fumonisic acid is commonly found in self-fermented cornmeal products and other spoiled starch products (such as glutinous rice, sorghum, potato flour, poorly stored rice noodles, homemade sour soup, hanging soup, etc.). Fumonisic acid can damage the liver, brain, and kidneys, and cause damage to the digestive system, urinary system, and nervous system.

So, how to eat black fungus safely? Before soaking black fungus, you can wash it with clean water, and then soak it with warm water, which can shorten the soaking time. During the soaking process, it is best to change the soaking water every once in a while to reduce the chance of microbial contamination. In addition, you should soak only as much as you want to eat each time. If you soak too much, you can cook all the black fungus, store it in the refrigerator, and eat it as soon as possible.

This article was scientifically reviewed by the Kunming Edible Fungi Research Institute