Laura Smith
Shiitake mushrooms are versatile and nutritious ingredients used in various dishes, from broths to stir-fries. Knowing how to store them is essential to keeping them fresh and edible. Fresh shiitake mushrooms should be stored in a paper bag in the refrigerator and will stay fresh for about a week. If you want to keep them longer, you can dehydrate them using a dehydrator or air-drying and then store them in an airtight container in a cool, dry, and dark place. Dried shiitake mushrooms can last from six months to a year or even longer.
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What You'll Learn
Refrigerate fresh shiitake in a paper bag
To store fresh shiitake mushrooms in a paper bag, place them in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for about a week. Do not seal them in an airtight container, as mushrooms need to breathe to stay fresh.
If you want to store them for longer, you can dehydrate them. To do this, lay them out on a cookie sheet in the fridge to allow them to dry out. This will take a few days. Once the caps are firm, seal them in an airtight container and keep them in a cool, dry place. You can also use a food dehydrator to dry a large batch quickly.
Another option for longer storage is to freeze the mushrooms. To do this, you must cook them first to preserve their quality and flavour. Lightly sauté them in butter until they are just cooked, or steam them whole for 5 minutes. Quartered or sliced mushrooms can be steamed for 3 minutes. Once cooked, let them cool, then place them in a freezer bag and store in the freezer for up to 12 months.
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Freeze shiitake in vacuum bags
Fresh shiitake mushrooms can be stored in a paper bag in the refrigerator for 7 to 10 days. For longer storage, they can be dehydrated and stored in airtight containers in a cool, dry, and dark place for 6 to 12 months.
Freezing shiitake mushrooms is a great way to preserve their flavour and extend their shelf life. Here is a detailed guide on how to freeze shiitake mushrooms in vacuum bags:
Preparing the Shiitake Mushrooms for Freezing
Before freezing, it is important to treat the mushrooms to stop maturation by steaming or sauteing them. Soak the mushrooms in a mixture of one teaspoon of lemon juice or 1.5 teaspoons of citric acid per pint of water for 5 minutes to prevent discolouration. Steam whole mushrooms for 5 minutes, buttons or quarters for 3.5 minutes, and slices for 3 minutes. Promptly cool, drain, and package the mushrooms, leaving a 0.5-inch headspace.
Freezing the Shiitake Mushrooms in Vacuum Bags
Place the cooled and drained mushrooms into vacuum bags, removing as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. Label the bags with the expiration date and type of mushroom. Store the vacuum bags in a freezer set at or below 0°F.
Using Frozen Shiitake Mushrooms
Frozen shiitake mushrooms can be used directly from the freezer, with no need for thawing. They can be added to stir-fries, soups, sauces, or grilled. When cooking, it is normal to notice some excess water, so ensure the mushrooms are cooked thoroughly to remove the excess moisture.
By following these steps, you can successfully freeze shiitake mushrooms in vacuum bags, preserving their flavour and nutritional value for future use.
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Dehydrate shiitake in the oven
Dehydrating shiitake mushrooms in the oven is a great way to preserve them for later use. Here is a step-by-step guide:
Preparation:
First, ensure your shiitake mushrooms are clean and dry. Gently scrub them with a vegetable or mushroom brush under running cool water. Then, slice the mushrooms to a thickness of about 1/8 to 1/4 inch. Thinner slices will dry faster. Place the sliced mushrooms on a clean dishtowel, roll it up loosely, and gently squeeze to remove any surface moisture.
Oven Setup:
Preheat your oven to its lowest possible setting, ideally between 140 to 150 degrees Fahrenheit (65 degrees Celsius). If your oven cannot go this low, set it to the lowest temperature possible. Place a baking sheet or a tight mesh drying rack inside the oven.
Dehydrating:
Arrange the mushroom slices on the baking sheet or rack in a single layer, ensuring that none of the pieces overlap or touch each other. Leave the oven door slightly ajar during the process. Check the mushrooms every hour, turning and blotting them to absorb any moisture. Repeat this step until the mushrooms are fully dry. The time required will vary, but it could take up to several hours.
Storage:
Once the mushrooms feel dry to the touch and have a texture similar to crackers, they are ready for storage. Allow them to cool completely, then transfer them to airtight containers or covered glass jars. Label the containers with the date and store them in a cool, dry, and dark place. Properly dehydrated shiitake mushrooms can last for up to a year or even longer.
Rehydrating:
To use the dehydrated shiitake mushrooms, place them in a heat-proof bowl and cover them with lukewarm or boiling water. Soak them for about 20 to 30 minutes, or longer if the mushrooms are large. You can also use the soaking liquid in your recipes to boost flavor.
Dehydrating shiitake mushrooms in the oven is a simple and effective way to extend their shelf life and intensify their flavor. Remember to always ensure complete dehydration before storage to prevent the growth of mold.
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Store dried shiitake in an airtight container
Dried shiitake mushrooms are a staple in many kitchens, especially in Asian cooking. They have a long shelf life and can be stored for months or even years if stored correctly.
To store dried shiitake mushrooms, use an airtight container such as a glass canning jar with a tight-fitting or screw-on lid. You can also use plastic resealable bags, but ensure that you squeeze out any excess air before sealing. If you're using a glass jar, you can include a silica packet to remove moisture.
Once sealed, store the container in a cool, dry, and dark place, such as a cabinet or pantry. You can also store the dried shiitake in the refrigerator or freezer, which will prolong its shelf life even further.
By following these simple steps, you can ensure that your dried shiitake mushrooms remain fresh and flavorful for your cooking needs.
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Avoid strong-smelling food near shiitake
When storing shiitake mushrooms, it is important to keep them away from strong-smelling food. Mushrooms have a tendency to absorb nearby odours, so storing them near fragrant foods will affect their flavour.
Shiitake mushrooms should be stored in a cool, dry, and dark place. The refrigerator is the best option, but it is important to choose the right spot to optimise preservation. Avoid sealing shiitake mushrooms in an airtight container, as this can negatively impact their freshness. Instead, store them in a paper bag in the refrigerator.
If you are storing sliced mushrooms, an airtight container in the refrigerator is recommended. However, sliced mushrooms should be used within three days, whereas whole mushrooms will last for about a week.
If you are unable to use the mushrooms within a week, consider freezing them. Lightly sauté them in butter until just cooked, or steam them for about five minutes. Once cooked, let them cool, then place them in a freezer bag and store them in the freezer for up to a year.
Another option for long-term storage is to dry the mushrooms. This method better preserves the quality of the fungi and extends their shelf life. Dried shiitake mushrooms can be stored in an airtight glass jar in a cool, dry, dark place.
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Frequently asked questions
Fresh shiitake mushrooms should be stored in a paper bag in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for about a week.
Dried shiitake mushrooms should be stored in an airtight container in a cool, dark place. They can be stored this way for up to a year.
Yes, you can freeze shiitake mushrooms. First, lightly cook them by sautéing or steaming, then place them in a freezer bag and store in the freezer for up to 12 months.
The shelf life of shiitake mushrooms depends on the temperature. At 32°F, they can be stored for 17-20 days, while at 37°F, they will last for 7-10 days.
