Like any organic food, mushrooms don’t last forever. When it comes to magic mushrooms, proper storage matters even more, because degraded or moldy shrooms aren’t just less effective, they can be unsafe. So how do you tell if mushrooms are bad? Let’s walk through the main signs.
1. Changes in Texture
Fresh or properly dried mushrooms should feel dry and firm. If your mushrooms feel slimy, soft, or unusually damp, that’s a clear sign they’ve gone bad. Sliminess often means bacterial growth, and these should not be consumed.
2. Strange or Unpleasant Odor
Healthy dried mushrooms usually have a mild, earthy smell. If your mushrooms smell sour, fishy, or otherwise off, it’s a warning sign. A strong or unpleasant odor usually indicates microbial growth.
3. Visible Mold or Spots
If you notice fuzzy patches, white or green mold, or dark spots that weren’t there before, the mushrooms are unsafe. Mold spreads quickly and can make them toxic even if only part of the mushroom looks affected.
4. Discoloration
Some blue bruising is normal in psilocybin mushrooms, but look out for blackening, yellowing, or other unusual colors. These changes suggest decay or contamination beyond the normal blue hue.
5. Excess Moisture or Poor Storage
If mushrooms weren’t stored correctly, kept in a damp bag or exposed to air, they can go bad much faster. Properly dried mushrooms stored in an airtight container, in a cool and dark place, last much longer. If moisture sneaks in, spoilage signs will follow.
Final Thoughts
Mushrooms that are slimy, smelly, moldy, or discolored should not be eaten. Proper storage prevents most of these problems, but once signs appear, it’s best to be cautious. When in doubt, throw them out.
References
- Tripsitter. Magic Mushrooms Expiration: How to Tell If They’ve Gone Bad.
- Snuggymom. How to Tell If Magic Mushrooms Have Gone Bad | Clear Signs Guide.