Is Black/Cloud Ear Fungus toxic? Ought I shun it?
My friend from Hong Kong read this article that reported two deaths from Auricularia polytricha poisoning. I can't read Chinese, and thus I'm assuming his interpretation is correct. She then warned me not to touch, let alone eat, Auricularia polytricha.
Is her fear warranted? Is she being level-headed and reasonable?
Every week, I make my own Black Fungus with Ginger Strips & Vinegar Dressing based on Din Tai Fung's rendition:
Best Answer
- Cloud Ear Fungus is not poisonous, and is eaten by millions of people every day (mostly in China). It is part of a whole family of "jelly fungus" which are almost all edible, and none of which are fatally toxic.
- The article you linked cites two children who died of a bacterial infection due to black fungus which was soaked at room temperature for more than 2 days. The article warns not to soak foods for too long.
- You eat that black fungus dish every week? Is this a medicinal regimen or something?
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