John Miller
Oyster mushrooms are known for their unique meaty texture and umaminess. They are widely consumed and loved by mycophiles around the world. However, oyster mushrooms have an extremely short shelf life, so it is imperative to buy the freshest ones available and store them properly. They can be stored in the fridge, in the pantry, in the freezer, dehydrated, or canned. In this article, we will discuss the different ways to preserve oyster mushrooms to extend their shelf life and prevent food waste.
Characteristics and Values table for preserving oyster mushrooms
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Preservation techniques | Drying, freezing, pickling |
| Containers | Avoid sealed containers, plastic bags, impermeable surfaces |
| Containers | Use breathable containers, brown paper bags, lidded yet slightly open plastic boxes |
| Cleaning | Clean with a dry soft brush, pat dry with kitchen paper, dry on paper towels |
| Storage | Store in the vegetable compartment of the fridge, in the pantry, in the freezer, in the dehydrator |
| Rehydrating | Boil in water |
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What You'll Learn
Drying oyster mushrooms
Before drying, the mushrooms should be cleaned. If they are particularly dirty, rinse them and dry them with paper towels. Otherwise, clean them with a dry, soft brush. Once the mushrooms are clean, tear them along the gills into manageable strips.
After drying, the mushrooms should be completely dry before storing them. Pack them into clean, dry, airtight containers, such as labelled mason jars. When rehydrating the mushrooms, boil them in water or put them in a little hot water and save the stock for later use.
Oyster mushrooms should not be stored in sealed containers or plastic bags as they will become slimy. Brown paper bags are a good option for short-term storage as they allow the mushrooms to breathe and will make them dry out.
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Freezing oyster mushrooms
Oyster mushrooms can be preserved through drying, freezing, and pickling. Freezing is a preferred method for preserving mushrooms as it is not very labour-intensive. Before freezing, the mushrooms should be cooked at least partly. If they are directly thrown into the freezer, they turn into a malformed, soggy mass. Oyster mushrooms can be blanched or fried prior to freezing, but frying will make the mushrooms carry the flavour of the fat they are cooked in.
To blanch oyster mushrooms, prepare a pot of boiling water, two colanders, a bowl, and plastic freezer bags. Slice the mushroom caps and submerge them in the boiling water for 30 seconds to one minute. Then, strain the mushrooms with a colander and place them in another colander suspended over a bowl to collect the drain water. Allow the mushrooms to cool and then pack them into freezer bags and place them in a freezer. The blanch and drain water can be saved for later use.
Oyster mushrooms should be stored in a breathable container. They do not like sealed containers and plastic bags. Plastic makes them slimy, and brown paper bags make them dry out. They can be cleaned with a dry soft brush and stored in the vegetable compartment of the fridge or a cold store in a lidded yet slightly open plastic box so that they can breathe. They will last for two weeks in good condition.
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Pickling oyster mushrooms
Oyster mushrooms are perishable and don't store well for long periods. However, pickling is one of the three methods of preservation that work well with oyster mushrooms. The other two methods are drying and freezing.
Preparing Oyster Mushrooms for Pickling
Firstly, cut off the foot of the oyster mushrooms and separate them. Brush off any dirt with a paper towel or food-safe brush. You can also wash the mushrooms, but make sure to pat them dry with kitchen paper afterward.
Pickling Process
The pickling process involves boiling water with pickling ingredients, preparing the mushrooms, and then combining them. You can add onions, vinegar, and spices such as paprika, peppercorns, mustard seeds, coriander seeds, and allspice berries to the brine. You can also roast the mushrooms before brining them to give them a more developed flavor.
Packing and Storing Pickled Oyster Mushrooms
After pickling the mushrooms, pack them into jars, leaving about half an inch of headspace. Use a wooden spoon to remove air bubbles from the jars. Wipe the rims, apply lids, and process the jars in a boiling water bath for about 15 minutes. Once done, remove the jars and let them cool. Check the lids to ensure a good seal. Any unsealed jars should be stored in the refrigerator. Let the pickles rest for at least 48 hours before opening. Sealed pickles can be stored on a shelf for up to a year.
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Storing oyster mushrooms in the fridge
Oyster mushrooms are best stored in a paper bag or paper towels in the refrigerator, where they can remain fresh for up to two weeks. The paper absorbs excess moisture, preventing spoilage. It is important to avoid washing the mushrooms before refrigeration, as this can introduce excess moisture and cause them to spoil faster. Instead, gently wipe them with a soft brush or damp cloth to remove any dirt.
When storing oyster mushrooms, it is crucial to avoid airtight containers or plastic bags, as these can trap moisture and accelerate spoilage. A breathable container or a paper bag with a slightly open lid is ideal, as it allows for air circulation while still protecting the mushrooms from drying out. Additionally, it is recommended to keep oyster mushrooms away from strong-smelling foods, as they can easily absorb odours, affecting their taste.
For longer-term storage, freezing oyster mushrooms is an option, but it is important to note that they should be cooked at least partially before freezing to avoid a soggy texture upon thawing. Frozen mushrooms can be stored in an airtight container or freezer bag and will last for approximately one month.
Another method for long-term storage is dehydration, which can be done using a food dehydrator, oven, wire rack, or microwave. Dehydrated mushrooms can last up to six months when stored in labelled mason jars or similar containers.
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Storing oyster mushrooms in a pantry
Oyster mushrooms are best stored in the refrigerator, but they can be stored in a pantry for a day or two. If you intend to keep them fresh and tasty for up to a week, the refrigerator is your best option.
When storing oyster mushrooms in a pantry, it is important to keep them in a well-ventilated area. Avoid sealed containers or plastic bags, as oyster mushrooms do not like being in confined spaces and will become slimy. Instead, opt for a paper bag or a cardboard box with holes punched in it. The container should be slightly open to allow the mushrooms to breathe but secure enough to keep insects and other pests out.
It is also crucial to ensure that the oyster mushrooms are dry before placing them in the pantry. You can do this by cleaning them with a dry, soft brush and then patting them gently with a paper towel to absorb any excess moisture. Make sure the mushrooms are completely dry before storing them.
To extend the shelf life of oyster mushrooms in a pantry, you can try using a desiccant, such as silica gel packets, which will help absorb any remaining moisture. Place the desiccant in the container with the mushrooms and store them in a cool, dry place in your pantry.
Additionally, you can explore other preservation methods, such as drying or freezing, if you want to keep your oyster mushrooms for more than a few days. Drying oyster mushrooms is a simple process that involves tearing them into strips and allowing them to air dry on racks or using a food dehydrator. Frozen mushrooms can be stored in an airtight container or freezer bag and will last for about a month.
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Frequently asked questions
The best methods for preserving oyster mushrooms are drying, freezing, and pickling. The preservation technique depends on the intended final use and the amount of effort you want to put into preservation.
Clean the mushrooms with a dry soft brush. Tear the mushrooms into strips or manageable pieces. Dry the mushrooms on racks or use a food dehydrator. Ensure they are completely dry before storing them in labelled mason jars.
Before freezing, oyster mushrooms should be cooked at least partly. If fresh mushrooms are frozen and then thawed, they will turn into a soggy mass.
Oyster mushrooms have a very short shelf life, so it is imperative to buy the freshest ones available. Fresh oyster mushrooms will last for around two weeks if stored correctly.
