Laura Smith
Oyster mushrooms are a versatile ingredient with a unique meaty texture and umami flavour. They are highly perishable, so storing them correctly is essential to prevent food waste. This guide will explore the best ways to store oyster mushrooms to prolong their shelf life, including refrigeration, freezing, and dehydration. We will also discuss the identification and preparation of oyster mushrooms to ensure food safety and maximise their flavour and texture.
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What You'll Learn
Storing oyster mushrooms in the fridge
Oyster mushrooms are known for their short shelf life, so it is imperative to buy the freshest ones available. When storing oyster mushrooms in the fridge, it is best to avoid sealed containers and plastic bags as they tend to make the mushrooms slimy. Instead, opt for a container that allows air to circulate more freely, like a paper bag or a cardboard produce box. You can also wrap the mushrooms in paper towels and place them inside a brown paper bag to absorb any moisture.
It is important to note that oyster mushrooms should not be washed before storing as this can cause them to rot faster. If you need to clean them, use a dry soft brush or gently wipe them with a cloth or paper towel.
When storing oyster mushrooms in the fridge, be sure to keep them away from pungent foods like onions, garlic, and celery, as mushrooms easily absorb the scents of nearby foods. Additionally, avoid placing them near ethylene-producing fruits and vegetables like bananas, as this can cause the mushrooms to mature faster and spoil.
For longer-term storage, freezing oyster mushrooms is an option, although this will affect their texture and consistency. Frozen mushrooms are ideal for use in soups, stews, and casseroles. To freeze oyster mushrooms, it is recommended to parcook them first, then portion them out and store them in an airtight container or freezer bag.
Overall, when storing oyster mushrooms in the fridge, it is crucial to maintain airflow, avoid moisture, and keep them away from strong-smelling foods to ensure their freshness and prolong their shelf life.
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Using paper bags or paper towels
Oyster mushrooms are best consumed within a week of purchase. However, if stored properly, they can last for up to two weeks in good condition.
Using Paper Bags
Oyster mushrooms should be stored in a brown paper bag in the refrigerator. Paper bags allow the mushrooms to breathe and slowly dry out, preventing them from going bad. To store oyster mushrooms in a paper bag, place the mushrooms in a small paper bag, roll the bag down so it is folded over and closed, and keep them anywhere in the refrigerator. They will stay good for 5-10 days, depending on the species and condition.
Using Paper Towels
Paper towels can be used to wrap oyster mushrooms before placing them inside a brown paper bag. They can also be placed at the bottom of a jar to absorb any moisture. Additionally, paper towels can be used to clean oyster mushrooms instead of washing them with water.
Drying Oyster Mushrooms
Oyster mushrooms can be dried by tearing them into strips and drying them on racks or in a dehydrator. They can also be dried in a very low oven on kitchen paper. Once completely dry, they can be stored in an airtight container in the pantry for up to a year.
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Drying oyster mushrooms
Oyster mushrooms are highly perishable, so drying them is a great way to store them for the long term. Before drying, clean the mushrooms with a dry soft brush, or rinse them and dry them off with paper towels. Cut the mushrooms into uniformly thin sections, tearing them along the gills into manageable strips.
There are several ways to dry oyster mushrooms. One method is to use a food dehydrator, which allows you to control the temperature. A temperature of 110-115°F is recommended for several hours to preserve flavour and nutrients. Alternatively, you can dry the mushrooms in a very low oven on kitchen paper, or on racks on a counter for several days. In the summer, you can even place them on a baking rack in the sun. Ensure the mushrooms are completely dry before storing them in airtight containers, such as labelled mason jars.
To rehydrate dried oyster mushrooms, place them in a bowl of warm water for 30 minutes, or simmer them for 10 minutes. You can save the stock liquid for soups and sauces by freezing it in an ice tray.
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Freezing oyster mushrooms
Oyster mushrooms are versatile ingredients that can be used in casseroles, stews, stir-fries, and more. Freezing is a great way to store oyster mushrooms for approximately a month. Here are some detailed, step-by-step instructions on how to freeze them:
Preparing the Oyster Mushrooms
Before freezing, it is important to clean the oyster mushrooms. Use a dry, soft brush, such as the kind attached to a mushroom knife, to gently clean each mushroom. If they are very dirty and require washing, make sure to pat them dry with kitchen paper. Oyster mushrooms should be dry before storing them, as moisture can lead to spoilage.
Blanching or Frying
It is recommended to blanch or fry oyster mushrooms before freezing. Bring a pot of water to a boil and prepare colanders, a bowl, and plastic freezer bags. Slice the mushroom caps and, optionally, the stems. Submerge the slices in boiling water for 30 seconds to one minute. This process is known as blanching and helps to preserve the texture and flavour of the mushrooms. If you prefer frying, simply cook the slices in a skillet on high heat. Note that frying will impart the flavour of the cooking fat to the mushrooms, which may or may not be desirable depending on your intended use.
Cooling and Packaging
After blanching or frying, it is important to let the oyster mushrooms cool down to room temperature. Place them in appropriately sized freezer bags, removing as much air as possible. Label the bags with the date and content. You can also portion the mushrooms into meal-sized servings before freezing.
Rehydrating Frozen Oyster Mushrooms
When you're ready to use the frozen oyster mushrooms, simply take them out of the freezer and rehydrate them. You can simmer the frozen mushrooms in water for about 10 minutes, creating a delicious mushroom stock that can be used in soups, sauces, or other dishes. Alternatively, you can defrost the mushrooms and use them in your recipes, although they may have a softer texture than fresh mushrooms.
Freezing is an excellent way to preserve the bounty of oyster mushrooms, whether you've purchased them in bulk, grown them yourself, or foraged for these meaty treats in the wild. By following these steps, you can enjoy oyster mushrooms throughout the year and reduce food waste.
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Rehydrating dried mushrooms
Dried oyster mushrooms are equally as versatile as fresh ones. They can be rehydrated and tossed into soups, stews, and broths.
To rehydrate dried mushrooms, simply put them in a bowl of hot water for 20 minutes to an hour. You can use a French press to keep the mushrooms fully submerged in water and to press even more flavor out of them after they have soaked.
If you are in a hurry, you can bring a pot of water to a boil and simmer the mushrooms for 10 minutes.
It is important to thoroughly cook mushrooms after you rehydrate them. Our human stomachs lack the enzyme to digest chitin, a substance contained in all mushrooms worth rehydrating for cooking purposes.
There is a debate about how much to wash the dried mushrooms before using them. Some insist on a thorough process of scrubbing reconstituted mushrooms with salt and flour until washing provides no staining residue indicative of dirt or other foreign material. However, if you harvested and dehydrated the mushrooms yourself, you will know how well you cleaned them already.
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Frequently asked questions
Oyster mushrooms can be stored in the fridge for up to 5 days if store-bought and kept in the original packaging. If the mushrooms are fresh from harvesting, they can be kept in a loosely closed plastic bag for up to 8 days.
Oyster mushrooms are best stored in a paper bag or uncovered on a paper towel in the bottom drawer of your fridge. They can also be frozen for long-term storage, lasting up to a month.
Yes, oyster mushrooms can be dehydrated and stored in airtight containers. However, they may not rehydrate as well as other mushrooms, resulting in a soggy texture.
