Storing Lobster Mushrooms: Tips And Tricks

Lobster mushrooms are a vegan alternative to lobster meat with a subtle shellfish flavour. They are the result of a parasitic fungus called Hypomyces lactifluorum infecting Russula and Lactarius mushrooms. They are usually boiled and then fried, and can be stored in a few different ways.

Explore related products

Hutzler Mushroom Saver, Red

$12.21

Great Lakes Treats Dried Lobster Mushrooms, 1 oz Bag

$12

North Spore Wild Dried Lobster Mushroom 28 grams

$14.99

Mushroom Foraging Bag, Black Adjustable Collapsible Breathable Hunting Bags with Mesh,Seashell Mushrooms Basket Harvesting Pouch for Outdoors Picking Lovers

$9.99

Okllen 4 Pack Ceramic Escargot Plates with 12 Holes and Handles, 9 Inch Seafood Snail Dish Footed Plates White Escargot Baking Dish Server for Home, Kitchen, Restaurant, Hotel, BBQ

$21.99 $23.99

How to Forage for Mushrooms without Dying: An Absolute Beginner's Guide to Identifying 29 Wild, Edible Mushrooms

$9.5 $16.99

Use dry paper bags or Zip Loc bags

Lobster mushrooms are a delicious treat, but they can be tricky to store. To extend their shelf life, it's important to use the right storage methods. One effective way to store lobster mushrooms is to use dry paper bags or Zip Loc bags. Here are some detailed instructions on how to do it:

Firstly, it is important to clean the mushrooms thoroughly before storing them. Use a dry brush or a vegetable brush to gently remove any dirt or debris from the intricate folds and concave caps of the mushrooms. You can also use a damp paper towel for cleaning, but be careful not to rub away the vibrant colour. If the mushrooms are especially dirty, you may need to carefully break them apart to ensure thorough cleaning.

Once the mushrooms are clean, you can place them in a dry paper bag. Paper bags are breathable and help to absorb any excess moisture, which can slow down the spoilage process. Make sure the paper bag is completely dry, as any moisture can promote the growth of bacteria and mould. Store the bagged mushrooms in the refrigerator, where they will last for a few days to a week.

Alternatively, you can use Zip Loc bags. These bags are airtight and help to keep the mushrooms fresh. Before sealing the bag, place a dry paper towel inside to absorb any excess moisture. Then, place the cleaned mushrooms in the bag and seal it tightly. As with the paper bags, store the Zip Loc bag in the refrigerator. This method will also keep the mushrooms fresh for a few days to a week.

Using dry paper bags or Zip Loc bags is a simple and effective way to store lobster mushrooms. However, if you want to keep them for an extended period, you may consider freezing or dehydrating them. Freezing whole lobster mushrooms can extend their longevity for a few months, while dehydration is a common method for long-term storage.

Refrigerate for a few days to a week

Lobster mushrooms are a tasty treat, but they have a relatively short shelf life. To store fresh, raw lobster mushrooms for a few days to a week, you'll need to place them in dry paper bags before refrigerating. This method helps to keep the mushrooms fresh for longer. If you've already cooked the mushrooms, they will only keep for a day or two in the refrigerator.

It's important to note that lobster mushrooms are different from other mushrooms. They are not a true mushroom species but are created when a parasitic fungus called Hypomyces lactifluorum infects Russula and Lactarius mushrooms. This process transforms the mushrooms, giving them a distinct reddish-orange hue and improving their flavour and texture.

When picking lobster mushrooms, it's essential to trim the dirty ends and use a dry brush to clean them. You can also use a damp paper towel for cleaning, but be careful not to rub away the colour. After cleaning, the mushrooms can be stored in the refrigerator.

If you want to extend the shelf life of lobster mushrooms, freezing is an option. Fresh, whole lobster mushrooms can be frozen to last for a few months. Alternatively, some people dehydrate lobster mushrooms for long-term storage. However, freezing and dehydrating may affect the texture of the mushrooms, so it's important to consider how you plan to use them before choosing a preservation method.

Freeze whole mushrooms for months

Lobster mushrooms are best stored in the refrigerator in dry paper bags. They will last for a few days to a week. However, if you want to store them for longer, you can freeze them for up to six to nine months.

To freeze whole mushrooms, start by cleaning them with a damp paper towel to remove any dirt. You can also give them a quick rinse with water, but make sure to dry them thoroughly as mushrooms absorb moisture quickly. Next, trim the stems to remove any dried-out parts. You can keep small mushrooms, like chanterelles, whole, but larger mushrooms should be sliced into uniform pieces.

Once your mushrooms are prepared, you can choose to freeze them raw or cooked. Cooking them first helps to preserve their flavour and texture by removing some of the moisture. To cook the mushrooms, sauté them in a skillet with a little oil for about five minutes or steam them in a basket for three to five minutes. Let them cool down completely, then flash-freeze them. Spread the mushrooms out on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet and place them in the freezer for about an hour, or until they are frozen solid. Finally, transfer the frozen mushrooms to freezer bags, removing as much air as possible, seal tightly, label, and store in the freezer.

Frozen mushrooms are best used in cooked dishes, like soups, casseroles, pasta, and risotto. They do not need to be thawed before use and can be added directly to recipes. Just be sure to cook them for long enough to fully release any excess moisture.

Explore related products

Growing Gourmet and Medicinal Mushrooms

$26.66 $45

The Complete Mushroom Hunter, Revised: Illustrated Guide to Foraging, Harvesting, and Enjoying Wild Mushrooms - Including new sections on growing your own incredible edibles and off-season collecting

$12.3 $24.99

Orsky Dried Shiitake Mushrooms Sliced, Dried Mushrooms for Cooking, Quick Rehydration, Smooth Taste, Fresh and Tender, Vacuum Sealed, No Fumigation Sulfur, 8 Oz

$14.99

ONETANG Organic Natural Dried Mushrooms - Premium Flavors |AAA Grade Extra Dry Mushrooms for Soups, Sauces, Pasta and Risotto, Rehydrate Quickly, All Natural & Vegan | 16 Oz

$19.59 $27.99

DIY Mushroom Cultivation: Growing Mushrooms at Home for Food, Medicine, and Soil (Homegrown City Life, 6)

$18.49 $29.99

VIGOROUS MOUNTAINS Premium Dried Wild Morel Mushrooms, Wild Harvested, Earthy Flavor & Rich Umami – 2oz (56.7g) – Perfect for Gourmet Cooking, Soups, Pasta & Risotto

$25.99

Cooked mushrooms last a day or two

Cooked lobster mushrooms can last for a day or two in the refrigerator. To ensure this, the mushrooms should be stored within two hours of cooking. The best way to store cooked mushrooms is in shallow airtight containers or resealable plastic bags. This helps to maximise the shelf life of cooked mushrooms for safety and quality.

Leaving cooked mushrooms out at room temperature for more than two hours can cause bacteria to grow and may cause stomach problems once reheated. If you want to keep the mushrooms for longer, it is best to freeze them in covered airtight containers or plastic freezer bags.

To store fresh, raw lobster mushrooms, place them in dry paper bags before refrigerating. Doing so will help them last for a few days to a week. You can also freeze fresh, whole lobster mushrooms to extend their longevity for a few months.

Dried lobster mushrooms last the longest—up to a year or more. Lobster mushrooms are delicate produce with a relatively short shelf life.

Dehydrate for long-term storage

Dehydrating lobster mushrooms is an excellent way to preserve them for long-term storage. Dried lobster mushrooms can last for a year or more, and the drying process intensifies their seafood flavour.

To dehydrate lobster mushrooms, it is best to start with older mushrooms. When picking, trim off any dirty ends and use a dry brush to clean them. Then, carve out the middle and any soft tissue using a knife. At home, wash the mushrooms with cold water and dry them on towels. It is important to ensure that the mushrooms are as clean as possible before drying, as rainy, muddy mushrooms may not rehydrate cleanly.

Once the mushrooms are clean and dry, you can use a dehydrator or your oven to remove the remaining moisture. If using an oven, set it to a low temperature, around 122°F (50°C), and leave the door slightly ajar to allow moisture to escape. Place the mushrooms on a tray, ensuring they do not overlap, as this can prevent proper dehydration.

Dehydrating lobster mushrooms will reduce their vibrant red colour, but it is an effective way to preserve them for long-term storage.

Frequently asked questions