Michael Davis
Mycology is the study of fungi, including mushrooms, and mycologists are those who study them. Mycologists have been around for centuries, with the word 'mycology' deriving from the Ancient Greek 'mukēs', meaning 'fungus', and the suffix '-logia', meaning 'study'. Mycologists have been responsible for many important discoveries, including the use of mushrooms in folk medicine, and the development of penicillin. Today, mycologists continue to study the many uses of mushrooms, from medicine to sustainable materials, and even food. With so many different species of mushrooms, storing them safely and effectively is a key part of mycological research.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Dehydration | Mushrooms are dehydrated and stored in plastic zip-lock bags or cardboard boxes. |
| Preservation | Mushrooms can be preserved in a liquid medium such as formalin, but this may impact their colour, texture, and shape. |
| DNA Extraction | Drying mushrooms at high temperatures can fragment DNA, making extraction difficult. |
| Insect Removal | Mushrooms are frozen for a day to kill any insects before long-term storage. |
| Climate Control | Stored mushrooms are kept in a climate-controlled room to maintain optimal temperature and humidity levels. |
| Digitization | Photographs of fresh mushroom specimens are often digitized and accessible through online portals like Mycoportal.org. |
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What You'll Learn
Dehydration and plastic zip-lock bags
Dehydration is a popular method used to store mushrooms. This process involves removing moisture from the mushrooms, which inhibits the growth of microorganisms and slows down the decomposition process. Dehydration can be achieved through various methods, such as air-drying, oven-drying, or using a dehydrator.
Once the mushrooms are sufficiently dehydrated, they can be stored in plastic zip-lock bags. While this storage method is convenient and widely used, it is important to note that plastic zip-lock bags are not airtight and may not provide a completely moisture-proof environment. As a result, the mushrooms may reabsorb moisture over time, leading to a potential loss of texture and quality.
To mitigate this issue, it is recommended to place the plastic zip-lock bags containing the dehydrated mushrooms inside another container, such as a glass or plastic jar with a tight-fitting lid. This additional barrier helps to further protect the mushrooms from air, light, and moisture, which can degrade their quality over time.
Additionally, desiccants or moisture-absorbing packets can be included within the storage container to help maintain a dry environment. This is particularly beneficial if the mushrooms are to be stored for extended periods. By following these steps, mycologists can effectively utilize dehydration and plastic zip-lock bags for mushroom storage while minimizing the potential negative impacts of moisture reabsorption.
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Low-temperature drying
Mycologists recommend air-drying mushrooms for a low and slow approach. This method takes about 1-3 days and should take place in a moderately warm space, ideally between 60-70°F, with humidity between 55-65%. To air-dry mushrooms, lay them out on a wire rack so they can dry out evenly on all sides. If you don't have a wire rack, lay them on a clean cloth and be sure to flip them over every few hours.
When using a dehydrator, set it to a low temperature of around 95°F (35°C). Check your mushrooms after a few hours. Most dehydrators will dry your mushrooms within 12 hours. While this method involves an initial investment, it's the most reliable way to ensure consistently dried mushrooms.
The goal of drying is to remove as much moisture as possible to prevent bacterial growth and spoilage. No matter which method you choose, your mushrooms should be "cracker dry" and should snap without bending.
Once dry, mushrooms need to be kept in a dark place with moderate temperature and humidity to preserve their life. Light, heat, and humidity can degrade psilocybin and encourage bacterial growth. Store your mushrooms in a cool, dark place, such as a cupboard or drawer. Avoid places with fluctuating temperatures, like above the refrigerator or near the oven. Oxygen can degrade psilocybin over time, so it's best to store mushrooms in airtight containers such as mason jars or vacuum-sealed bags.
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Freezing
To freeze mushrooms, it is recommended to first brush off any visible dirt. If you are freezing the mushrooms raw, trim their stems, and place them in a freezer-safe plastic bag. Squeeze out as much air as possible before sealing the bag and placing it in the freezer.
If you do not want to freeze raw mushrooms, you can prepare them by steam blanching or sautéing them to help preserve their nutrition, flavor, and texture. To steam blanch, sort the mushrooms by size or cut them into similar-sized chunks. Then, soak them in a mixture of 2 cups of water and 1 teaspoon of lemon juice for 5-10 minutes to prevent discoloration. After that, steam the mushrooms for 3-5 minutes, and immediately place them in ice water for the same amount of time. Finally, strain the water, and place the mushrooms in airtight, freezer-safe bags before storing them in the freezer.
Another method is to lightly sauté the mushrooms in butter until they are just cooked. Once cooled, place them in an airtight, freezer-safe bag and store them in the freezer. For the best color post-freezing, you can also dip the mushrooms in a solution of 1 pint of water and 1 teaspoon of lemon juice before cooking. Frozen mushrooms will last in the freezer for up to 12 months and are suitable for cooked dishes such as soups, casseroles, stews, or as a pizza topping.
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Climate-controlled rooms
One common approach is to dehydrate mushrooms and place them in plastic zip-lock bags or cardboard boxes. However, this technique causes the mushrooms to lose their original colour. To address this issue, mycologists have explored alternative storage methods.
At mycological herbariums, mushrooms are typically dried at low temperatures to avoid DNA fragmentation. This technique helps preserve the mushrooms' DNA for future research. After drying, the mushrooms are placed in a freezer for a day to eliminate any insects. Subsequently, they are stored in boxes or folders in a climate-controlled room. This method ensures the long-term preservation of the mushroom specimens.
Additionally, some mycologists use Martha Tents or Shotgun Fruiting Chambers to create controlled environments for mushroom storage. These chambers help maintain humidity when outdoor temperatures are high, ensuring that the mushrooms remain fresh and viable. By implementing these climate-controlled storage methods, mycologists can effectively preserve mushrooms for extended periods while maintaining their quality and characteristics.
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Liquid mediums
Liquid culture, also known as LC for short, is a popular method for storing mushrooms. It involves cultivating mycelium in a sterile, nutrient-rich liquid medium, which can then be used to inoculate grains and grow mushrooms. This method is favoured for its accessibility, affordability, and efficiency in rapidly expanding pure mushroom cultures.
Preparation
Creating a liquid culture involves a careful balance of ingredients, sterilization, and storage conditions. The first step is to select a suitable nutritional medium, such as a malt extract solution or a sugary solution. The medium should be sterilized through pressure cooking or autoclaving to remove any contaminants.
Inoculation
Inoculation is the process of introducing mushroom spores or mycelium into the sterile growing medium. This can be done using a spore syringe, liquid culture, or agar culture. It is crucial to maintain sterile conditions and techniques throughout the inoculation process to prevent contamination.
Storage
Proper storage of liquid culture is essential for maintaining its viability and longevity. It should be stored in a cool, dark place, such as a refrigerator, at temperatures between 2-8°C (35-46°F). It is important to avoid freezing the liquid culture, as this can damage the mycelium. Liquid culture can last for 6-12 months in the refrigerator, but it is recommended to use it within a few weeks for optimal viability.
Contamination
During incubation and storage, it is crucial to regularly check for signs of contamination. Contaminants such as mold and bacteria can affect the liquid culture, impacting the health of the mycelium and the yield of mushrooms. To prevent contamination, it is essential to maintain a sterile work environment and follow sterile techniques when handling the liquid culture.
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Frequently asked questions
Mycologists use plastic canning jars, dried specimens, and live cultures.
The best way to store mushrooms is to cut the stem from the cap of the mushroom and place it on white and black paper. Invert a bowl over the mushroom and do not disturb it for several hours.
This process allows mycologists to collect a dense spore deposit to determine the spore color.
A single spore can take anywhere from 30 to 90 seconds to fall from the gills.
The Purdue Herbaria is a mycologist storage facility that contains 235,000 dried specimens of fungi and plants.
