John Miller
Mushrooms are a versatile ingredient, adding an earthy, umami flavour to dishes. However, their high water content means they are delicate and perishable, and can be hard to keep fresh. Sliced mushrooms should be used within three days, but there are ways to preserve them for longer. Freezing is one option, but this can compromise their texture. For best results, cook sliced mushrooms before freezing, and use them within a year. Drying is another preservation method, and dried mushrooms have an intense umami flavour.
How to preserve sliced mushrooms:
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Storage | Refrigerator at 40-45 °F (4-7 °C) |
| Container | Plastic bag, freezer-safe bag, or container |
| Storage duration | 3 days |
| Freezing | Yes, for up to 1 year |
| Dehydrating | Yes, using a dehydrator or air-drying |
| Pickling | Yes |
| Cooking | Lightly sauté in butter, steam, or dip in lemon water |
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What You'll Learn
Freezing sliced mushrooms
Step 1: Prepare the Mushrooms
Before freezing, brush off any visible dirt from the mushrooms. Avoid washing the mushrooms, as this can make them soggy and more susceptible to freezer burn. For the best colour post-freezing, you can dip the mushrooms in a solution of 1 pint of water and 1 teaspoon of lemon juice.
Step 2: Cook the Mushrooms
Briefly cooking the mushrooms will help preserve their quality and flavour when frozen. Lightly sauté them in butter until just cooked, or steam them whole for 5 minutes. Quartered or sliced mushrooms can be steamed for about 3 minutes.
Step 3: Cool the Mushrooms
Allow the mushrooms to cool completely before freezing. This is an important step to prevent bacteria growth and ensure the mushrooms stay fresh.
Step 4: Flash-Freeze
Spread the cooled mushrooms on a cookie sheet and flash-freeze them. Once they are frozen solid, use a spatula to lift them from the cookie sheet.
Step 5: Pack and Store
Place the frozen mushrooms in freezer-safe containers or bags. Leave some space for expansion, and squeeze out as much air as possible before sealing to prevent freezer burn. Label the packages with the date and return them to the freezer.
Step 6: Use Within a Year
Frozen mushrooms are best used within a year, although sooner is better to ensure optimal flavour and texture. When ready to use, add the frozen mushrooms directly to heated dishes or thaw them in the refrigerator before cooking.
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Drying sliced mushrooms
To dry sliced mushrooms, you can use a dehydrator, an oven, or simply air dry them. If you're using a dehydrator, follow the manufacturer's instructions and dry at around 140 degrees Fahrenheit (60 degrees Celsius) for 8-10 hours. If you're using an oven, dry at the same temperature, but be aware that it may take twice as long. If you're air-drying, place the sliced mushrooms in a mesh container with good airflow, such as a mesh colander, and leave them out to dry for about a week. You can also partially dry them in the oven first and then finish them on a sunny windowsill.
Regardless of the method you choose, make sure to clean the mushrooms before drying them. You can do this by wiping them with a damp paper towel or using a mushroom brush, followed by a quick rinse under cold running water. It's also important to note that mushrooms shouldn't be washed before storing them, as moisture is the number one enemy when it comes to keeping mushrooms fresh.
Once the mushrooms are completely dry, store them in airtight glass jars or moisture-vapour-proof containers in a cool, dry, dark place. Properly stored, dried mushrooms can last for up to two years!
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Storing sliced mushrooms in a paper bag
Sliced mushrooms should be used within three days of refrigeration. If you're unable to use sliced mushrooms within three days, consider freezing them. However, fresher mushrooms tend to freeze better, so it is recommended to freeze them sooner rather than later.
If you are storing sliced mushrooms in a paper bag, it is recommended to loosely fold the top of the paper bag to secure it. This allows for proper air circulation, ensuring your mushrooms stay fresh and appetizing. Paper bags are recommended for storing mushrooms as they offer the ideal balance of air circulation and moisture absorption. Mushrooms need to breathe to remain viable for human consumption, and paper bags allow them to do so. On the other hand, plastic bags can trap moisture, leading to a damp environment that degrades the quality of the mushrooms very quickly.
It is also recommended to store the paper bag containing the sliced mushrooms in the refrigerator. The cool temperature will maintain their crispness and extend their shelf life. While mushrooms stored in paper bags have a longer shelf life, it is best to use them within a week for peak freshness and flavor.
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Storing sliced mushrooms in a plastic bag
Sliced mushrooms should be used within three days of refrigeration. If you want to store them for longer, consider freezing them. However, fresh mushrooms tend to freeze better, so it is recommended to freeze them sooner rather than later.
To preserve sliced mushrooms in a plastic bag, you can follow these steps:
- Lightly sauté the sliced mushrooms in butter until they are just cooked. You can also steam them for 3 minutes.
- For better colour post-freezing, dip the mushrooms in a solution of 1 pint of water and 1 teaspoon of lemon juice before cooking.
- Once the cooked mushrooms have cooled, place them in a freezer-safe plastic bag.
- Store the plastic bag in the freezer for up to 12 months.
It is important to note that storing mushrooms in plastic bags is not recommended by some sources, as it prevents the mushrooms from breathing and causes rapid bacteria growth, leading to discolouration, mould, and slime. Instead, it is suggested to store mushrooms in paper bags, which allow for ventilation and absorb moisture, keeping the mushrooms fresh and slime-free for a longer period.
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Pickling sliced mushrooms
Pickling is a great way to preserve sliced mushrooms and add some extra flavour. It's super easy to do and only requires a few basic ingredients.
First, clean your mushrooms thoroughly and slice them to your desired thickness. You can also quarter the mushrooms if you want smaller pieces. While you can pickle the mushrooms whole, slicing them will allow the brine to penetrate the mushrooms more effectively.
Next, prepare the brine by bringing water, vinegar, sugar, and salt to a boil. You can adjust the amount of each ingredient to suit your taste preferences. Apple cider vinegar tends to yield the best results, but you can use other types of vinegar as well. Once the brine is boiling, remove it from the heat and set it aside.
Place the sliced mushrooms into a jar with a well-fitting lid. You can use a mason jar or any other type of glass jar with a tight-sealing lid. If you want to add extra flavour to your pickled mushrooms, you can include spices like thyme, garlic, rosemary, peppers, or even a slice of jalapeno.
Now, carefully pour the hot brine over the mushrooms in the jar. Seal the jar with the lid and leave it on the counter for about an hour. Then, place the jar in the refrigerator and let the mushrooms marinate for at least 24 hours before enjoying them.
Your pickled mushrooms will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 2 months. You can serve them as a snack, on a sandwich, or as a topping for avocado toast, ricotta toast, crostini, pizza, or salad grain bowls.
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Frequently asked questions
Sliced mushrooms can be tossed in oil, soy sauce, powdered garlic, and herbs and then toasted in the oven. This can be used as a bacon substitute and will last in the fridge for weeks.
Clean and slice the mushrooms, then run them under cool water to remove any dirt. Lightly sauté them in butter or steam them for 3-5 minutes. Once cooled, place them in a freezer-safe bag and store them in the freezer for up to 12 months.
Mushrooms are very perishable and need to be stored in the right conditions. The refrigerator is the best place to store mushrooms, at a temperature between 40-45 °F (4-7 °C). Wrap them in paper towels and place them in a partially open plastic bag to retain moisture.
Wash and slice the mushrooms, then pat them dry with a paper towel. Preheat your dehydrator to 110°F (43°C) and place the mushrooms inside. It will take 3-7 hours to dehydrate the mushrooms. Once completely dry, store them in an airtight glass jar.
To pickle mushrooms, you will need to create a brine solution. This can be done by boiling vinegar, water, salt, sugar, and pickling spices. Place the sliced mushrooms in a jar and pour the brine over them. Seal the jar and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 months.
