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HOW TO STORE MUSHROOMS
As a staple ingredient of dishes worldwide, the power of the mushroom cannot be understated. Versatile, easy to cook and full of distinctly juicy and earthy flavours, these little vegetables are worth preserving for optimum use. There are several ways to ensure that your chestnut, closed-cup or portobello mushrooms etc. stay fresh and primed to be added into those delicious dishes; discover some of our tips and tricks below.
HOW TO KEEP MUSHROOMS FRESH IN THE FRIDGE
To preserve your fresh mushrooms, place your mushrooms in a paper bag, keeping it slightly open, to allow your mushrooms to absorb any excess moisture and help to prolong their freshness. Storing your mushrooms in their original packaging and placing these in the main fridge compartment will also help ensure they last at least a full week.
Have a look below for information on how to dry and freeze your mushrooms along with our top tips!
HOW TO FREEZE YOUR MUSHROOMS
Freezing mushrooms are a great way to ensure that your mushrooms keep their texture and taste, whilst lasting from 6 to 8 months! No need to thaw them, frozen mushrooms can be added to any dish straight from the freezer, making this method stress-free.
- In order to ensure that your mushrooms keep their flavour whilst frozen, it is a good idea to cook them beforehand. To do this, first wash your mushrooms in cold water and cut into ½ inch thick cubes or slices.
- Using either butter or oil, sauté your mushrooms thoroughly, only taking them out when most of the liquid in the pan has evaporated.
- Lay the mushrooms out onto a baking sheet and give them time to cool to room temperature.
- Once cooled, transfer your mushrooms from the baking sheet to a container that is suitable to be placed in the freezer.
- Be sure to choose an airtight container to prevent freezer burn.
HOW TO MAKE AND STORE DRIED MUSHROOMS
Dried mushrooms are low maintenance and can be kept for up to an entire year. If you’re looking for longer results or just don’t have the freezer space, it would definitely be worth drying your mushrooms.
- Begin by preheating your oven to 150 degrees. Slice your fresh mushrooms into ½ inch slices or cubes.
- Place your mushrooms onto an oven tray covered with a baking sheet. When placing your mushrooms, be sure to leave a suitable space between them. Place in the oven and cook for 1 hour.
- After 1 hour, flip your mushrooms over and place them back in the oven. Check in on your mushrooms and keep up this method until you find your mushrooms are completely dry.
- Once your mushrooms have turned crisp and dry, take them out of the oven and place in an airtight container and store in a dry and dark area.