Emily Johnson
Mushrooms are fungi that belong to the kingdom of fungi, which includes mould and yeast. They are often used in cooking and can be found in local grocery stores, Asian supermarkets, and farmers' markets. While they are a versatile ingredient, mushrooms are delicate and require special care and attention to maintain their freshness. This includes storing them correctly to prevent them from becoming slimy or emitting a foul smell. Various methods can be used to preserve psychedelic mushrooms, such as dehydrating and storing them in airtight containers, pickling, or freezing them after cooking.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Storage | Refrigerator, freezer, honey, pickling |
| Container | Paper bag, cardboard box, freezer-safe plastic bag, airtight container |
| Temperature | 32–40°F, low humidity |
| Preparation | Clean with a brush or damp towel, cook before freezing |
| Duration | Up to one week in the refrigerator, indefinite in honey |
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What You'll Learn
Storing in the fridge
Storing psychedelic mushrooms in the fridge is a short-term preservation method. Fresh mushrooms typically last 3-5 days in the refrigerator, and some sources suggest they can last up to a week. However, it is important to note that cold temperatures can damage the mushrooms, and they should not be kept in the fridge for longer than a few days.
When storing psychedelic mushrooms in the fridge, it is crucial to ensure they are dry and free from excess dirt or moisture, as damp mushrooms spoil faster. The ideal refrigerator temperature for mushrooms is between 32-40°F, and it is recommended to store them at low humidity settings. It is best to place the mushrooms in a single layer on a sheet of paper towel and then use another layer of paper towels to cover them. After that, place the paper bag in the refrigerator, ensuring it is not stored in the fridge door, as this is typically the warmest spot. Avoid storing mushrooms near aromatic foods, as they can absorb scents and flavours.
Before placing the mushrooms in the fridge, it is important to clean them. However, do not wash the mushrooms unless you plan on using them immediately, as they will absorb water and become slimy. If you need to clean them, use a soft brush or a damp towel to gently remove any dirt. Depending on the type of mushroom, you may want to remove the fibrous stems before storing them in the fridge.
It is important to note that storing dried mushrooms in the fridge is not recommended, as the environment may be too moist. Additionally, freezing psilocybin mushrooms is not advised, as it can cause the formation of ice crystals, potentially damaging the integrity of the compounds.
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Freezing
Fresh mushrooms should be stored in a refrigerator, where they will last for 3-5 days. Before refrigerating, ensure the mushrooms are free of excess dirt or moisture, as damp mushrooms spoil faster. Place the mushrooms in a paper bag before putting them in the fridge, as paper allows for airflow, preventing excess moisture from building up and causing mould. Keep the fridge temperature between 35-40°F (1.5-4°C) to slow down decomposition without freezing.
If you cannot dry your mushrooms, you can store them wet in the fridge for a few days, but they will only keep for about a week before they start to rot or decompose and may develop mould or bacteria.
Dried mushrooms, on the other hand, should be stored in airtight containers in a cool, dark place. This will prevent oxygen and moisture from spoiling the mushrooms and prolong their shelf life. Dried shrooms can stay potent for several months or a year if properly stored, before their potency starts to go down.
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Using honey
Honey is a great way to preserve psychedelic mushrooms, but it's important to note that the mushrooms must be completely dry before they are placed in the honey. If the mushrooms are wet, the honey will spoil.
To dry your mushrooms, place them on a wire mesh screen for 2-4 days. Keep them in a dry, cool, dark place, like a fridge. Once they are completely dry, you can place them in a jar and cover them with honey. Make sure the honey goes all the way to the top of the jar, leaving as little air in the jar as possible.
For the first few days, rotate the jars between right side up and upside down. Be careful that the honey does not leak out when the jars are upside down. Rotating the jars on a daily basis for the first week will ensure the mushrooms are thoroughly coated in honey. Within a week, the honey should have set. Subsequently, leave the jars right side up as normal. Provided you make a good job of this, the jars can remain potent for several years.
It is important to note that the psilocybin in the mushrooms will slowly leak into the honey over time. This means that the mushrooms may become less potent, and the honey may become infused with psilocybin. This is known as "blue honey" and is a popular way to ingest mushrooms.
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Pickling
To pickle mushrooms, start by selecting young, small, tight mushroom buttons. Clean the mushrooms by swishing them in cold water, then transfer them to a tray lined with paper towels and let them dry in the fridge overnight. In a pan, gently heat some oil and sliced garlic until the garlic turns golden. The more colour on the garlic, the better the flavour.
Next, add the mushrooms and other flavouring ingredients. Avoid adding too many herbs and spices, as this can make the pickles taste like medicine. The mushrooms will need to be kept under liquid, so adding a small amount of vinegar to the mixture is essential. However, too much vinegar can be overpowering, so it is important to find the right balance.
Once the mushrooms are pickled, store them in an airtight container, such as a glass jar, and keep them in a cool, dark place. Pickled mushrooms can last for a very long time, with some sources claiming they can be safely stored for over a year.
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Dehydrating
Preparing the Mushrooms
Before you start the dehydration process, it's important to select fresh, locally-grown mushrooms that are free from any signs of decay, mould, or bruising. These defects can affect the quality of the dried mushrooms. Clean and slice the mushrooms, arranging them in a single layer on drying trays. Make sure they are not touching each other.
The optimal way to dehydrate mushrooms is by using a food dehydrator. Dehydrators use gentle heat and constant airflow to gradually and evenly remove moisture from the mushrooms. Set your dehydrator to a low temperature of around 40°C to preserve the psilocybin; higher temperatures can affect the potency of psilocybin. The drying process can take between 4 to 10 hours, depending on the quantity and moisture content of the mushrooms. Check on your mushrooms every hour or so. They are ready when they become dry and leathery and snap when bent. If using an oven, dry at 60°C, but be aware that this may take twice as long as a dehydrator and requires more careful monitoring to avoid scorching.
Conditioning the Mushrooms
Once the mushrooms are dehydrated, place them loosely in large glass or plastic containers about two-thirds full. Lightly cover the container and store it in a dry, well-ventilated place for 4 to 10 days. Stir or shake the container daily to separate the pieces. If you notice beads of moisture forming inside the container, return the mushrooms to the dehydrator for further drying.
Storing the Mushrooms
After conditioning, store the dried mushrooms in airtight containers or bags that are moisture-vapor-proof. Glass jars or vacuum-sealed plastic bags are ideal. You can also use desiccants like silica gel packs to absorb any residual moisture. Store the mushrooms in a cool, dark, and dry place, such as a pantry. Proper storage will help maintain the potency and quality of the mushrooms.
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Frequently asked questions
To store fresh psychedelic mushrooms, first, gently brush any dirt off the mushrooms with a soft brush or damp towel. Do not wash the mushrooms unless you plan on using them immediately, as they will absorb water and become slimy. Then, place the mushrooms in a single layer on a sheet of paper towel. Use another layer of paper towels to place on top. Fold the top of the paper bag over to enclose the mushrooms completely and prevent them from drying out. Place the paper bag in your refrigerator and store at 32–40°F on a low humidity setting for up to one week.
Yes, but it is recommended that you cook them first. Before you cook and freeze your mushrooms, be sure to give them a good clean. If you plan to pan-fry your mushrooms, simply use a brush or dry paper towel to rub them down. Only rinse mushrooms that you plan to use in a soup. Once you have selected your cooking method, cook the mushrooms until they are tender to draw out excess moisture and concentrate the flavors. Let the cooked mushrooms cool to room temperature before freezing to prevent them from becoming mushy. Once cooled, mushrooms can be frozen in a freezer-safe plastic bag or airtight container.
One method of long-term preservation is to dehydrate the mushrooms and store them in airtight containers in a cool, dark place. Another method is to cover the mushrooms in honey, but they must be dehydrated first to prevent the honey from spoiling.
