Emma Wilson
Mushrooms are a versatile ingredient used in dishes across the world. They are low in calories, packed with nutrients, and have a unique flavour and texture. However, they can dry out and shrivel up if not used immediately. Fortunately, there are ways to revive old mushrooms and extend their shelf life. This involves rehydrating them through various methods, such as submerging them in water or wine, using a French press, or employing more complex techniques like hydrogen peroxide and agar. Revived mushrooms can be used in soups, stews, broths, and stir-fries, providing a meaty texture and earthy flavour to vegetarian dishes.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| What to do with old mushrooms | Reconstitute/rehydrate them |
| How to reconstitute dried mushrooms | Place them in warm water for 15-20 minutes; use cold water for delicate mushrooms |
| How to rehydrate dried mushrooms | Soak them in hot water using a French press to keep them submerged |
| How to cook reconstituted mushrooms | Cook in olive oil with garlic and herbs, toss with pasta, serve as a side dish, or spoon over fish or chicken breasts |
| How to extend the life of a mushroom growing kit | Move the kit outdoors, bury the mushroom block in the garden, or add mulch or soil on top |
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What You'll Learn
Rehydrating dried mushrooms in water
Dried mushrooms are versatile and can be used in soups, stews, and broths. They can be rehydrated in water and used in place of fresh mushrooms.
The traditional method of rehydrating dried mushrooms involves submerging them in a bowl of hot water and using a plate to keep them submerged. However, a French press can also be used to keep the mushrooms submerged and to press extra flavor out of them. To use a French press, fill it with hot water and let the mushrooms soak for 20 minutes to an hour. Then, slowly push down on the plunger to extract more flavor. The liquid produced can be saved for stocks and braises.
If you're in a hurry, you can use warm or hot water to soak your mushrooms. However, hot water will cause the mushrooms to lose some of their flavor, so room temperature water is recommended if you want the mushrooms to retain their flavor. The mushrooms will soften almost as quickly in room temperature water as they would in hot water.
When rehydrating Chinese dried mushrooms, also known as shiitake mushrooms, it is recommended to use warm water instead of hot water to preserve their flavor and aroma. The mushrooms should be soaked for 20 to 30 minutes, or until softened, and the exact time will depend on the thickness of the caps. The liquid from soaking Chinese dried mushrooms can be used in place of chicken stock in recipes.
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Rehydrating dried mushrooms in wine
Dried mushrooms are a handy way to have the flavour of wild mushrooms whenever you want. They are versatile, convenient, and always less expensive than their fresh equivalents. They are also a pantry staple in many countries, including France, Italy, China, and Germany.
Dried mushrooms can be rehydrated in wine for maximum flavour and efficiency. To do this, you'll need enough wine to fully cover the mushrooms. Place the mushrooms in a bowl and pour the wine over them. Heat the mushrooms and wine together until steaming, either in the microwave or on the stovetop. Alternatively, heat the wine separately and pour it over the mushrooms. Allow the mushrooms to steep for 5 to 15 minutes, or until they are thoroughly softened.
You can also use a French press to rehydrate dried mushrooms. Simply fill the French press with the mushrooms and cover them with hot wine. Allow them to soak for 20 minutes to an hour, then slowly push down on the plunger to extract even more flavour. You can save the liquid for stocks and braises or use it in your recipe.
Keep in mind that dried mushrooms are often gritty, so it's important to remove any grit before using them in your recipe. You can do this by straining the mushrooms and rinsing them under the faucet for several seconds.
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Using a French press to rehydrate
Dried mushrooms are versatile and can be used year-round. They can be rehydrated to 3-4 times their size, making them excellent for storage. The traditional method of rehydrating dried mushrooms involves submerging them in a bowl of hot water and using a plate to keep them from floating. However, a French press can be used to simplify this process and produce better results.
To rehydrate dried mushrooms using a French press, start by placing the desired amount of mushrooms into the carafe of the French press. Then, pour hot water into the carafe until the mushrooms are completely covered. Place the lid on the French press and gently press down to submerge the mushrooms fully. It is important to note that you should not push the mushrooms all the way to the bottom at this stage, as they need to absorb enough liquid for effective rehydration.
Let the mushrooms soak for the recommended time, which can range from 10 to 30 minutes, depending on the type of mushroom. Once the time is up, push the plunger all the way down to the bottom of the carafe. The mushrooms at the bottom should now be drained and plump, ready for use in your desired recipe. You can also choose to save the soaking liquid, as it will be infused with flavour from the mushrooms. This liquid can be used in stocks, sauces, or even in specific dishes like mushroom risotto, beef stew, or ramen broth.
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Reusing a mushroom grow kit
If you're looking to reuse a mushroom grow kit, you're in luck! Many kits can be reused, and there are several methods to do so. Here are some detailed, step-by-step instructions to guide you through the process:
Revitalising the Kit:
Sometimes, your mushroom grow kit just needs a bit of fresh air to be revitalised. A simple change in environment or temperature shift can cue the fungi to produce more mushrooms. Move your kit outdoors and leave the plastic on to maintain moisture. Spray it periodically to keep it from drying out. After a couple of weeks, you can expect mushrooms to grow after heavy rainfall or a significant temperature change.
Burying the Mushroom Block:
Burying the mushroom block is another effective method. By burying the block, you protect it from the elements, and the fungi can absorb moisture from the nearby soil. Add a layer of mulch or soil on top to shield the block from direct sunlight. With this technique, your block should fruit within a couple of weeks. You can even bury different types of blocks together to create a landscape of vibrant mushroom bouquets!
Using the Kit as Spawn:
If you're feeling adventurous, try using your mushroom grow kit as spawn. This process works particularly well with oyster mushroom kits that are well-hydrated or have recently fruited. First, you'll need a substrate—something for the fungi to grow on and feed from. This could be hardwood logs, sterilised compost, straw, or crushed wood chips. Then, follow these steps:
- Inoculate some containers with the substrate.
- Mix in crumbled-up pieces of the mushroom block.
- Cover with a top layer of mulch.
- Expect mushrooms to grow within one to three months, depending on temperature, moisture, and volume inoculated.
Submerging the Block:
Another technique involves submerging the mushroom block in water for five hours to absorb moisture. Then, place the wet block in a well-lit area, out of direct sunlight. Mist the block with water once or twice a day to maintain moisture. Within four days, you'll start to see tiny mushrooms forming. Over the next five days, they'll mature and be ready for picking.
So, there you have it! By following these methods, you can reuse your mushroom grow kit and enjoy fresh mushrooms all year round. Happy growing!
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Cooking dried mushrooms
Dried mushrooms are a handy and flavourful ingredient to have in your pantry. They are easy to cook with and can be used in a variety of dishes, from soups and sauces to pasta and stir-fries. The first step to cooking with dried mushrooms is to rehydrate them.
To rehydrate dried mushrooms, place them in a bowl and add enough water to cover them completely. You can use hot or warm water to speed up the process, but room temperature water is also effective and is recommended by some sources. Let the mushrooms soak for at least 15 minutes, or until they are fully softened. For thicker mushrooms, such as shiitake caps, a longer soak of 8 hours or more is recommended for the best texture and flavour.
After soaking, some people recommend rinsing the mushrooms under running water to remove any residual grit. Others believe that rinsing washes away flavour, so this step is a matter of personal preference. Once the mushrooms are rehydrated, they can be strained, chopped, and cooked according to your recipe.
It is important to note that rehydrating mushrooms is not the same as cooking them. Mushrooms contain a substance called chitin, which human stomachs cannot digest. Therefore, it is essential to thoroughly cook the mushrooms after rehydrating them before consuming them.
The liquid used to soak the mushrooms will be infused with flavour and can be used as a mushroom broth or stock in soups, sauces, risottos, or other dishes. However, it is important to strain the liquid through a sieve or cheesecloth to remove any grit.
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Frequently asked questions
Old mushrooms can be revived by rehydrating them. Place the mushrooms in a bowl and cover them with warm water for 15-20 minutes. If you want to add some extra flavour, you can use wine instead of water.
If your mushrooms have started to dry up, you can still cook with them. Try cooking them in olive oil with garlic and herbs and tossing them with pasta, serving them as a side dish, or spooning them over fish or chicken breasts.
If you want to get more life out of your mushroom grow kit, try moving it outdoors. A change in environment or temperature shift can sometimes be a cue for fungi to produce more mushrooms. You can also bury the mushroom block in your garden to help protect it from the elements and wick moisture from the soil.
