Michael Davis
Oyster mushrooms are plentiful and available all year round, but they have a very short shelf life. They are extremely perishable, so it is imperative to buy the freshest ones you can find and store them properly. Oyster mushrooms do not like sealed containers or plastic bags, as they tend to get slimy. For short-term storage, they can be kept in a paper bag in the refrigerator. For long-term storage, they can be dried, frozen, or pickled.
Preserving Oyster Mushrooms
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Preservation Techniques | Drying, Freezing, Pickling |
| Drying Techniques | Dehydrator, Low-heat Oven, Wire Rack in Dry, Warm Conditions |
| Freezing Techniques | Blanching, Freezer Bags, Canning |
| Pickling | N/A |
| Storage | Paper Bags, Lidded Containers, Refrigeration |
| Shelf Life | Depends on Method; up to 1 Year for Canning |
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What You'll Learn
Freezing
Oyster mushrooms can be frozen with relative ease and can be used in a variety of recipes after thawing. Freezing is a great option if you want your oyster mushrooms to last approximately a month without going bad.
Before freezing, it is important to cook the mushrooms at least partly. Oyster mushrooms can be frozen raw, but they will turn into a soggy mass after thawing. To cook the mushrooms, you can sauté them in butter or oil, parboil them, or briefly cook them using another method. You can also add ingredients like onions and garlic to make a mixture called duxelles, which freezes well and is a great ready-to-use ingredient. After cooking, let the mushrooms cool down to room temperature before placing them in the freezer.
When preparing oyster mushrooms for freezing, it is recommended to cut them into bite-sized slices. Soaking the mushrooms in cold water before cutting can help remove any dirt or damaged pieces. After soaking and cutting, dry the mushrooms and place them on a cooking tray lined with parchment paper. Freeze the mushrooms overnight, then transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag for long-term storage.
It is important to portion the mushrooms before freezing to avoid thawing the entire batch at once. Freezing in meal-sized portions also helps retain the mushrooms' taste and texture. Frozen oyster mushrooms can be thawed for a few minutes and are then ready to be used in various dishes, such as stir-fries, soups, and fried recipes.
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Drying
Oyster mushrooms are fleshy and meaty and therefore need to be dried in strips, rather than whole. First, clean the mushrooms with a dry soft brush, or a lightly dampened towel—do not wash them under running water. Then, tear them along the gills into strips of a manageable size.
To dry oyster mushrooms, you can use a food dehydrator, or you can air dry them. If you are using a food dehydrator, make sure the mushrooms are completely dry before you store them. The temperature of the dehydrator can go as low as 95°F, but if you dry the mushrooms completely, they will be fine to store anywhere.
If you are air-drying the mushrooms, place them in a container that allows air to circulate around them, such as a mesh colander, or a baking rack set on top of a baking sheet. Do not overcrowd the mushrooms. Place them in a well-ventilated area, preferably in the sun if possible. Allow them to air dry for 7-10 days, or until they do not give when squeezed. To expedite the process, you can partially dehydrate them in the oven before air drying.
Once the mushrooms are completely dry, you can store them in labelled mason jars. They will last for up to 2 years. To rehydrate the mushrooms, boil them in water, or use milk if you are going to flour and fry them or make gravy. You can also throw them into soups or sauces and let them rehydrate in the liquid of the dish.
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Pickling
Once the pickling liquid is boiling, add the mushrooms and simmer for 5 minutes. Then, pour in 2 tablespoons of sherry. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the mushrooms into a warm, sterilized 500ml jar. Pour the hot vinegar mixture over the mushrooms until they are completely submerged. Seal the jar tightly and gently shake it. Let the mushrooms marinate in the refrigerator for 8 hours or more; they will keep for about a month.
Before serving, drain the mushrooms and discard the spices. You can serve the pickled mushrooms as a side dish or use them to make a refreshing salad. Chop the mushrooms and mix them with fresh herbs and seasonings, adjusting the quantities to your taste. Drizzle with a bit of olive oil or grapeseed oil to balance the tartness of the pickles. Pickled oyster mushrooms are not only delicious but also nutritious, offering high levels of antioxidants, protein, fibre, niacin, and riboflavin.
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Blanching and canning
Blanching oyster mushrooms is a great way to preserve them for the short term. To begin, heat some water on the stove with a little salt and, optionally, some vinegar. It is important not to wash fresh oyster mushrooms as this can spoil their structure. Instead, simply wipe off any dirt. Next, trim off any tough or woody stems with a sharp knife. Then, chop the mushrooms into bite-sized pieces. Once the water is boiling, place the chopped mushrooms into the water for 1-3 minutes. Remove the mushrooms with a slotted spoon and immerse them in cold water to stop the cooking process. Now, your blanched oyster mushrooms can be cooked or canned.
Canning is a great way to preserve your blanched oyster mushrooms for the long term. To can oyster mushrooms, you will need to sterilise your jars and lids by boiling them for at least 10 minutes. Then, remove them from the water and allow them to air dry. Next, fill your jars with the blanched oyster mushrooms, leaving 1 inch of space at the top. Finally, seal the jars and process them in a boiling water bath for 30 minutes. This will ensure that your oyster mushrooms are preserved and can be stored for up to a year.
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Short-term storage
Oyster mushrooms are highly perishable, so short-term storage is key to preserving their freshness. Here are some tips to keep your oyster mushrooms fresh for a short period:
Refrigeration
Oyster mushrooms can be stored in the fridge, but not for too long. If they are pre-packaged, ensure the packaging has perforations to allow air circulation and moisture escape. Cover any remaining mushrooms with plastic wrap and punch a few holes. This will help extend their shelf life. However, avoid keeping them in the refrigerator for an extended period, as they can quickly become slimy and unappetizing.
Paper Bags
Oyster mushrooms should be stored in paper bags instead of plastic containers or bags. Plastic can cause the mushrooms to become slimy, while paper bags help absorb excess moisture and prevent spoilage. It is recommended to double paper bag the mushrooms and roll the tops down to slow down the drying process.
Cleaning and Drying
Before storing, clean the oyster mushrooms with a dry, soft brush. If they need to be washed, pat them dry with kitchen paper and use them immediately. Avoid washing mushrooms before storing, as it can make them slimy. Drying oyster mushrooms is a popular preservation method, but they should be consumed within a short period after drying.
Freezing
Freezing is another option for short-term storage, but it requires some preparation. To avoid a soggy mess when thawing, oyster mushrooms should be partially cooked before freezing. Sautéing, parboiling, or briefly cooking the mushrooms can help preserve their texture. Portioning the mushrooms before freezing is also recommended to avoid thawing more than needed.
Pickling
Pickling is a fun way to preserve oyster mushrooms and give them a unique taste. Pickled oyster mushrooms can be used as toppings for sandwiches, burgers, and pizzas, enhancing both flavour and texture.
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Frequently asked questions
Oyster mushrooms can be preserved by drying, freezing, pickling, or canning.
Clean the mushrooms with a dry soft brush. Tear the mushrooms into strips or smaller pieces and dry them on racks or use a food dehydrator. Once completely dry, store them in labelled mason jars.
Before freezing, oyster mushrooms should be cooked at least partly. If frozen raw, they will turn into a soggy mass after thawing.
Fresh oyster mushrooms can last for about two weeks if stored properly in the refrigerator.
