Sarah Brown
Coral mushrooms are naturally brittle and can be tedious to clean. They are often ignored due to the difficulty of preparing them. However, there are several methods to preserve them for future use. One can clean and boil them, then store them in the refrigerator for a few days. They can also be dehydrated, frozen, or pickled. Pickling is a popular preservation method, as it allows the mushrooms to maintain their integrity and be used in recipes later on.
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What You'll Learn
Before preserving, clean coral mushrooms thoroughly to remove dirt and debris
Before preserving coral mushrooms, it is important to clean them thoroughly to remove any dirt and debris. Coral mushrooms are usually found with just the tops of the crowns visible, while the rest of the mushroom remains below the surface. The crowns are often the best part to consume as the lower portion tends to be invaded by bugs, making it unpalatable.
When cleaning coral mushrooms, use a dry brush or towel to remove any dirt and forest debris caught between the strands. Be gentle, as coral mushrooms are quite delicate and can easily fall apart when handled. Brush away the forest duff and cut off any unwanted parts from the bottom of the mushroom. It is important to inspect the mushrooms closely for signs of insects as the eggs and larvae can develop and infest the mushrooms if not removed promptly.
Once the mushrooms have been brushed and inspected, pull them apart into smaller pieces. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to gently tap and remove any remaining debris, such as pine needles. After cleaning, rinse the mushrooms in clean water several times, swishing them around to ensure all dirt and debris are removed. Snip off any brown bits or roots at the bottom of the clusters, then drain the mushrooms well. Place them on a clean dish towel and cover with another towel to gently press down and remove excess water.
After the initial cleaning, the mushrooms should be further dried to ensure all moisture is removed. Spread the mushrooms onto a dry towel and leave them in the fridge for about an hour to absorb any remaining moisture. This thorough cleaning and drying process is crucial to ensure the coral mushrooms are properly prepared for preservation and safe for consumption.
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Rinse and swish in water, then dry with a towel
Coral mushrooms are delicate and require careful cleaning before cooking or preservation. They are usually found in the forest and can have forest debris, dirt, pine needles, and even insect eggs and larvae stuck between their strands.
To clean coral mushrooms, start by pulling them apart into smaller pieces. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to tap and remove any debris. If the bottom part of the mushroom is firm and bug-free, slice it into smaller pieces.
Now, it's time to rinse and swish the mushrooms in water. Fill a large bowl with cold water and add a couple of tablespoons of salt. Dunk the mushroom pieces into the water and swirl it around with your hands. You can also use a bowl of water and vinegar solution, which is especially useful if your mushrooms have insects that need to be removed. Swish the mushrooms around and scrub them gently with a mushroom brush or soft toothbrush to dislodge any remaining dirt.
After rinsing, drain the mushrooms and lay them out on a clean dish towel. Cover with another dish towel and press gently to absorb any excess water. To ensure they are completely dry, spread the mushrooms onto a dry towel, roll them up, and leave them in the fridge for about an hour to absorb any remaining moisture.
Once the mushrooms are dry, you can proceed with preservation methods such as dehydration, pickling, or canning.
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Dehydration is a common preservation method
There are various ways to dehydrate coral mushrooms. One way is to use a dehydrator, such as an Excalibur dehydrator, set to a fruit setting of about 135 degrees. The dehydration process usually takes around 12 hours, depending on the size and quantity of the mushrooms. Alternatively, you can use an oven or a food dehydrator set to a low temperature to dry the mushrooms. Make sure to cut the mushrooms into thin slices to ensure even dehydration.
Another option for dehydration is to use the sun or an electric fan. Spread the cleaned mushrooms on a tray or plate and place them in direct sunlight or in front of an electric fan. This method may take longer, but it is a cost-effective way to dehydrate coral mushrooms. Once the mushrooms are completely dry, you can store them in airtight containers or jars. Properly dehydrated coral mushrooms can last for several months and can be reconstituted in water when you are ready to use them in recipes.
In addition to dehydration, there are other preservation methods for coral mushrooms. One popular method is pickling, which involves preparing a mild pickling brine that is strong enough to raise the pH to a safe level for canning without making the mushrooms overly acidic. Pickling allows you to preserve the mushrooms' integrity while also adding a unique flavour. Freezing is another option for preservation, where you can freeze the cleaned and dried mushrooms in airtight containers or bags. Both pickling and freezing are effective ways to extend the shelf life of coral mushrooms and make them available for future meals and recipes.
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Pickling is another preservation option
Another source mentions that they pickled their coral mushrooms in a mild brine. They specify that the brine was strong enough to raise the pH to a safe level for canning, but not so acidic that the mushrooms became pickles. They also mention that they plan to use the pickled mushrooms in recipes and as a garnish for various dishes.
To pickle coral mushrooms, you will first need to clean them thoroughly. Rinse and swish the mushrooms in several changes of clean water to remove any dirt, debris, and forest debris caught between the strands. You can also use a soft-bristled toothbrush to gently tap and remove any remaining debris. After cleaning, cut the mushrooms into smaller pieces, if desired, and prepare a brine solution. The brine should be strong enough to raise the pH to a safe level for canning but not so acidic that the mushrooms become too pickled.
Once the mushrooms have been brined, you can follow standard canning procedures to preserve them. Pickling is an excellent option for those who want to experiment with coral mushrooms in recipes or as a garnish. It is also a good way to showcase the unique and gorgeous fungi, as mentioned by Alan.
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Freeze coral mushrooms for future meals
Coral mushrooms are a unique variety of mushrooms that are often overlooked by the foraging community in the Western world. They are commonly found in the Pacific Northwest and can be identified by their intricate branching structures, which resemble coral in the ocean. While some species are toxic, many are edible and delicious.
If you're lucky enough to find an abundance of these mushrooms, you may want to preserve them for future meals. Freezing is an excellent option to consider. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to freeze coral mushrooms:
Cleaning and Preparing the Mushrooms:
Before freezing coral mushrooms, it is essential to clean and prepare them properly. Use a dry brush or towel to remove any visible dirt, debris, or forest duff. Cut off any undesirable parts, especially the thick lower portion, as it is often invaded by bugs and may be unpalatable. Rinse the mushrooms in several changes of clean water to ensure all the small bits of forest debris caught between the strands are removed.
Blanching the Mushrooms:
One effective method to prepare coral mushrooms for freezing is by blanching them. Bring a pot of water to a boil, and carefully place the cleaned mushrooms into the boiling water. Let them blanch for 1 to 2 minutes, or up to 10 minutes according to some sources. You can also add some garlic, butter, and onion for additional flavor. Once the mushrooms are blanched, remove them from the water and allow them to cool.
Freezing the Mushrooms:
Once the mushrooms have cooled down, you can package them for freezing. Place the blanched mushrooms in a suitable container, such as a freezer-safe bag or tray or an airtight container. Be sure to label the container with the date and content. Frozen coral mushrooms can be stored for several months.
Cooking with Frozen Mushrooms:
When you're ready to use your frozen coral mushrooms, simply take them out of the freezer and add them directly to your dish. It is best to cook them from frozen without thawing, as this will help retain their texture and flavor. Frozen coral mushrooms can be added to soups, sautés, or any of your favorite recipes that call for mushrooms.
By following these steps, you can successfully freeze coral mushrooms and enjoy their unique flavor and texture in your future meals. Remember to always properly identify and prepare coral mushrooms, as some species can be toxic.
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Frequently asked questions
You can preserve coral mushrooms by pickling them in a mild brine solution, dehydrating them, or freezing them.
To pickle coral mushrooms, you need to prepare a mild brine solution that is strong enough to raise the pH to a safe level for canning but not so acidic that the mushrooms become pickles.
To dehydrate coral mushrooms, first, clean them and cut them into smaller pieces. Then, use a dehydrator set to a fruit setting of about 135°C for 12 hours, depending on the size and quantity of the mushrooms.
To freeze coral mushrooms, first, clean them by boiling them for 10-15 minutes, then rinsing them in a bucket of running water. Repeat this process until all debris has been removed. Then, place the mushrooms in a clean bucket of water and leave them overnight. The next day, give them a final rinse and lay them on paper towels to dry before freezing.
