Tianma is a commonly used medicinal herb in daily life, with a mild nature and a sweet taste. It contains various effective components and is loved by many people in dishes such as Tianma stewed chicken and Tianma fish head. But can Tianma still be eaten if it is infested by worms? How should Tianma be properly stored?
Can Tianma be eaten if it is infested by worms?
It is not recommended to eat it.
Tianma contains certain amounts of fat, protein, carbohydrates, etc. Improper storage and long storage time may lead to infestation by worms, which affects the nutritional value and medicinal effects of Tianma. Moreover, it may contain worm eggs, excrement, etc., which can easily cause stomach pain, diarrhea, etc. after consumption.
What happens if you eat infested Tianma?
It varies from person to person.
If Tianma is thoroughly cleaned of worm eggs and infested parts, washed and dried, there is generally no problem with consumption and there is no need to worry too much. If Tianma is severely infested by worms, becomes powdery, and is improperly processed, it may cause diarrhea after consumption. However, the specific situation varies from person to person due to individual physical conditions.
How long can Tianma be stored?
2-3 years.
Tianma has a thick texture and can generally be stored for about 2-3 years under normal circumstances. Chinese herbal medicines usually do not have specific shelf life. As long as there is no infestation, mold growth, oil leakage, etc., they can continue to be consumed. However, there are differences among different medicinal materials, and the shelf life and quality of Chinese herbal medicines are closely related to their texture.
Can expired Tianma be eaten?
It is not recommended to eat it.
Consuming expired Tianma may cause discomfort, and the medicinal effects of expired Tianma decrease. Generally, Tianma purchased on the market comes with packaging, which includes detailed expiration dates. It is recommended to consume it within the shelf life to avoid unnecessary waste.
How to properly store Tianma?
Dry storage.
Tianma is suitable for storage in a dry and cool place. You can add desiccants, such as quicklime, in the container, and wrap Tianma with paper before sealing it in the container.
Refrigeration storage.
Wrap Tianma in a plastic bag and store it in the refrigerator, paying attention to sealing to prevent odor from other foods.
