467924 Sun Dec 09 15:47:34 -0800 2007 3 31 Home Cooking 0 3193305 I just opened a package of maitake mushrooms and they have an odd beer-like smell. Is this normal and are they safe to cook & eat? Sun Dec 09 15:47:34 -0800 2007 43361 sarahsarah 1 3193427 Fresh mushrooms, right? Mushrooms should smell earthy but not sour. In plastic wrapped packages they can quickly turn moldy and it sounds like that's what happened here. If you can it's better to buy loose mushrooms and keep them in a paper bag - not plastic where they "sweat" and turn moldy. Safe to eat? I wouldn't risk it. Sun Dec 09 16:41:51 -0800 2007 3193305 142147 JockY 2 3193496 hmm.. well, they weren't slimy or broken down at all and the producer's website said they had a 30 day shelf life and a very strong smell. It wasn't a sour smell at all. I put them in the pot and cooked them. I guess I'll see if I get sick or not. Sun Dec 09 17:14:13 -0800 2007 3193427 43361 sarahsarah 3 3194602 Ok. Well I ate them and I'm not sick or dead so I guess that's what maitake mushrooms smell like? Put them in takikomi gohan btw. It was delicious! Mon Dec 10 07:11:18 -0800 2007 3193496 43361 sarahsarah