If you have ever been enchanted by the delicate taste of Oyster mushrooms, you know just how magical they can be in the kitchen. So, you may have some right now for a recipe later on and wondering how to store Oyster mushrooms.
Whether you are a home cook with a good taste for food adventure or a seasoned chef, this guide will help you discover the secret to extending the life of your Oyster mushrooms while preserving their delicate flavor and texture.
How To Clean Oyster Mushrooms
It may seem like a trivial task, but cleaning your Oyster mushrooms is a crucial step that demands careful handling and finesse. Remember to always treat them with care as they are quite delicate.
Start by inspecting your mushrooms and give them a gentle once-over. If you notice that there is dirt on them, avoid washing them using running water since Oyster mushrooms are like sponges and excess moisture could make them soggy. So, instead of doing that, clean them with a dry soft brush or slightly damp paper towel to lightly wipe each mushroom.
If the dirt cannot be removed by simply doing the steps above, you can give them a quick rinse and pat them immediately with a paper towel. Note that this should be your last resort as you do not want them to become damp.
And if you do notice any unsightly spots, aside from the dirt, you can simply use a sharp knife to carefully trim them away.
Can You Freeze Oyster Mushrooms?
The short answer is yes! It is a great option if you want your Oyster mushrooms to last up to a month. As long as they are stored in a dedicated freezer bag or an airtight container, they can be properly frozen in their raw or stir-fried state. Once you are ready to use them again, you just need to spend a couple of minutes to thaw them and they should be good to go.
How To Freeze Oyster Mushrooms
So, once you have decided to freeze the remainder of the Oyster mushrooms that you bought for a recipe or two and you have decided to use them for another dish much later on, you only need to take a few steps to properly freeze them:
Give Them a Gentle Cleaning
Just as you would do for fresh Oyster mushrooms, the first step is cleaning them. If you see any stems still attached, you can safely trim them away. Removing the stems will save you time later on when it is finally time to defrost.
Portion Control
You can divide your mushrooms into portions or you can individually wrap them as you see fit. This will reduce the chances of your mushrooms getting stuck to each other, which means that you could potentially be defrosting a lot of mushrooms even when you only want to take a few to make a dish.
Time To Freeze Them
I would highly recommend that you write a date on a sticker or directly on their airtight containers as to when they were sent to the freezer to remind you when your Oyster mushrooms were first frozen. This will help you keep track of their shelf life, which is important.
When they are ready to be frozen, safely put them in there, while making sure that your Oyster mushrooms are not being crushed by other frozen products.
How To Store Oyster Mushrooms
If you are looking to store your Oyster mushrooms in the short term, you can simply place your cleaned mushrooms in a breathable container and place it in the vegetable compartment of the fridge. It is also crucial that you avoid storing them in plastic bags as the plastic will make them slimy.
How Long Do Oyster Mushrooms Last in the Fridge?
That is a good question. Oyster mushrooms can be stored in the fridge for up to one week without a problem. Take note that their shelf life is also dependent on how fresh they were when you acquired them.
How To Tell if Oyster Mushrooms Have Gone Bad
Check the Smell
Give your mushrooms a quick whiff. They should smell earthy and pleasant, and not sour. If you are getting the latter, then it is time to bid them farewell.
Test the Texture
Oyster mushrooms have a delicate texture. Any dramatic changes are a big sign that something is already wrong and that the mushroom is no longer safe for consumption. The mushrooms have especially gone bad if they feel mushy to the touch and slimy.
Visual Inspection
If they turned an unappetizing shade of brown, a color far different from when you first acquired them, then it is time to toss them into the compost bin. Other than the color, you would also know that the Oyster mushroom has gone bad if they have developed mold or appear shriveled beyond recognition.
The bottom line
I hope you enjoyed this guide on how to store Oyster mushrooms. Make sure to follow the steps that I have mentioned above to properly store your Oyster mushrooms, and remember the signs to properly identify if your mushrooms are still safe for consumption. It is always a good idea to consume Oyster mushrooms sooner rather than later.