Michael Davis
Chicken of the Woods mushrooms are a unique and delicious ingredient that can add depth and flavour to a variety of dishes. They are also known as Laetiporus sulphureus or sulfur shelf and have a yellow underside. They are typically found in the Midwest and South during late summer and fall. When harvesting, it is recommended to only collect what you can eat in 7 days to ensure freshness. However, if you have a bountiful harvest, you may need to consider different storage methods to preserve your mushrooms for future use.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Storage duration in the refrigerator | 7-10 days |
| Refrigerator storage method | Store in a paper bag or breathable fabric bag on a shelf, not in the crisper drawer |
| Freezer storage duration | 6 months to a year |
| Freezer storage method | Clean, trim, slice, dry, and store in zip-style freezer bags, vacuum-sealed bags, or mason jars |
| Dehydrator storage method | Slice, dry in a dehydrator, and store in mason jars, Tupperware, or Ziploc bags |
| Pickling storage method | Slice, brine, pickle in mason jars or a fermenting crock, and store in the refrigerator or a cool, dark place |
| Canning storage method | Can be stored for up to five years |
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What You'll Learn
How to store chicken mushrooms in the refrigerator
Chicken of the woods mushrooms are big mushrooms that often grow in large clumps, so you will likely want to store some for future use. The refrigerator is the best place to store mushrooms, but the spot you choose impacts preservation. The chill of a refrigerator helps suspend the decomposition of mushrooms, which is why they are kept in the refrigerated section of the produce department.
When storing chicken of the woods mushrooms in the refrigerator, it is best to avoid plastic containers, as plastic locks in moisture and can quickly lead to spoiled mushrooms. Mushrooms are highly sensitive to their environment and can bruise at the slightest touch or become slimy if the air is too humid. Instead, use a paper bag or a paper towel-lined zip-top bag. Paper bags or paper towels absorb the moisture mushrooms naturally release, preventing them from getting slimy. If the paper towels become visibly wet, swap them out for fresh, dry ones. You can also wrap the mushrooms in paper towels and place them in a bowl in the refrigerator.
If you are storing sliced chicken of the woods mushrooms, many of the same guidelines apply. Hold off on washing the mushrooms for as long as possible, and wrap them with an absorbent material. You can store sliced mushrooms in an airtight container in the refrigerator, but they are much more prone to spoilage than whole ones and should be used within a few days.
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How to freeze chicken mushrooms
Chicken of the Woods mushrooms can be frozen without cooking them first, unlike many other mushrooms. However, some sources suggest lightly sauteing them in butter and salt before freezing.
To freeze chicken mushrooms, start by cleaning them well. Trim away any woody or insect-eaten portions of the mushrooms. Brush away any loose dirt, bark, or leaf pieces. Give them a quick rinse and rub down to get any other dirt off. It's important that the mushrooms are completely dry before freezing, or else they may become soft and mushy.
Once the mushrooms are clean and dry, cut them into half-inch chunks. Place as many pieces as you can into a zip-style freezer bag or vacuum seal bag. If you are using a vacuum seal bag, follow the manufacturer's instructions for sealing. If you are using a zip-style freezer bag, squeeze out as much air as possible before sealing. Place the bag of mushrooms into the freezer. Frozen chicken mushrooms can last for up to 12 months and can be cooked directly from frozen.
An alternative method for freezing chicken mushrooms is to use the IQF (individually quick frozen) technique. To do this, place the cleaned and cut mushrooms on a cookie sheet lined with parchment, a silicone mat, wax paper, or a non-stick tray. Freeze the mushrooms, then transfer them to a vacuum bag or freezer bag once they are completely frozen. This method may not work for all types of mushrooms.
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How to dry chicken mushrooms
Chicken of the Woods mushrooms are versatile edible fungi that can be dried and stored for later use. Here is a detailed guide on how to dry chicken mushrooms:
Preparing the Mushrooms:
Before drying, it is important to clean the mushrooms thoroughly. Start by trimming away any woody, tough, or insect-eaten portions. Use a semi-wet mushroom brush to gently brush away loose dirt, bark, or leaf debris. Give the mushrooms a quick rinse and dry them completely with a paper towel.
Slicing the Mushrooms:
For effective drying, it is recommended to slice the cleaned mushrooms into narrow strips or chunks. Aim for a thickness of about 1/4" to 1/2" thick. Cutting across the "grain" of the frond will make the pieces more tender.
Drying Methods:
There are several methods to dry chicken mushrooms, each with its own equipment and time requirements:
- Air Drying: Place the sliced mushrooms in an open container with good airflow, such as a mesh colander. Leave them in a dry environment for about a week until they are completely dry.
- Dehydrator: Spread the mushroom slices on the dehydrator trays, ensuring they are not touching. Set the temperature to low, around 110°F for 10 hours, then reduce to 100°F for about 3 more hours. Alternatively, follow the manufacturer's instructions for the specific model.
- Oven: If you don't have a dehydrator, you can use your oven. Place the mushroom slices on a tray and set the oven to its lowest setting, typically around 200°F. Leave the mushrooms in the oven until they are fully dried, which may take 1-3 hours.
Storing Dried Mushrooms:
Once the mushrooms are completely dry to the touch and feel like light rocks, they can be stored in airtight containers or bags. Place them in a cool, dry place, and they will last for up to 2 years.
Drying chicken mushrooms is an excellent way to preserve their flavour and texture for future culinary adventures.
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How to pickle chicken mushrooms
Chicken of the Woods mushrooms are large, colourful, and have a meaty texture that holds up to freezing well. However, if you're looking to add some extra flavour, pickling is a great preservation method.
To pickle chicken mushrooms, start by cleaning the mushrooms thoroughly. Pull or chop the mushroom meat as you go to find any bugs, grass, or twigs that may be embedded. Wash the mushrooms well under cool water. You can also lightly saute the mushrooms in butter and salt before freezing.
Once your mushrooms are clean, you can begin the pickling process. The basic ingredients for pickling brine are vinegar, water, salt, and sugar. You can also add extra flavour with thyme, garlic, rosemary, peppers, and spices. Bring these ingredients to a boil, then remove from the heat.
Slice the mushrooms and place them into a jar with a well-fitting lid. Pour the hot brine over the mushrooms, seal the jar, and leave it on the counter for one hour. Then, refrigerate the pickled mushrooms for at least 24 hours before serving.
Pickled chicken mushrooms can be enjoyed in a variety of ways, such as on avocado toast, sandwiches, charcuterie boards, or as a snack on their own. They are a delicious and versatile addition to any meal and can be stored in the refrigerator for up to two months.
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How long do chicken mushrooms last?
Chicken of the Woods mushrooms are a tasty treat, but they don't last long. Raw chicken mushrooms will stay fresh for about a week in the refrigerator. If you're not going to eat them within a week, you'll need to freeze or dry them.
When storing chicken mushrooms in the refrigerator, it's best to keep them in a paper bag or wrapped in paper towels inside a breathable fabric bag. They should be placed on a shelf, not in the crisper drawer, and kept away from strong-smelling foods. Young mushrooms bruise easily, so don't place anything on top of them. It's best not to wash chicken mushrooms before storing them, as they should only be washed just before using them.
Chicken of the Woods mushrooms are big mushrooms, often growing in large clumps, so you'll likely have plenty of extras to store. If you're not planning on eating your chicken mushrooms within a week, the best way to store them is by freezing them. Unlike most other mushrooms, chicken mushrooms can be frozen raw without losing their texture and flavour. However, it's important to ensure they are completely dry before freezing, as freezing them wet will result in soft, mushy mushrooms.
To prepare chicken mushrooms for freezing, start by cleaning them well. Trim away any tough or insect-eaten portions of the mushrooms. Brush away any loose dirt, bark, or leaf pieces. Then, rinse the mushrooms and pat them dry with a paper towel. Once the mushrooms are clean and dry, you can place them in zip-style freezer bags or vacuum seal them. Frozen chicken mushrooms will last up to a year.
Another option for long-term storage of chicken mushrooms is to dry them. You can do this by slicing the mushrooms into half-inch pieces and drying them in a food dehydrator for 8 to 10 hours. Once dry, you can store the mushrooms in an airtight jar or ziplock bag. They'll last a year or more when kept in a cool and dry location. Dried mushrooms can be added to soups or reconstituted by soaking them in water for 15 to 60 minutes.
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