Mushroom cultivation is a delicate process. It requires a modicum of patience and meticulousness. If you've gone through the process with a colony of fully grown mushrooms, the next thing you should do is harvest them. However, after that, what's next? You'll have to store your fresh mushrooms properly, and we have some of the best tips for you.
Paper Towels
You can use the supplies you grow your mushrooms with to keep them fresh. There are many different ways you can do this. Most people place their freshly harvested mushrooms in a paper towel and then put them in a sandwich bag. After that, they go into the fridge. It may also be useful to use one of those machines that suck the air out of your bag for maximum efficiency and longevity. Placing your mushrooms in a more absorbent storage container can help remove any excess moisture. This effectively increases the lifespan of the mushrooms and keeps them fresh.
Cook and Freeze Them
Another option for proper storage is cooking your mushrooms and then freezing them. This method will keep them fresh for months. This does require more preparation because chopping and cooking take time. Sauté, roast, broil, or steam them, and then put them away. Once you store them, you'll be happy to know they're on hand the next time you need to spruce up a dish. This is a great tip for storing your fresh mushrooms.
Dry Them in the Oven
Drying your mushrooms in the oven before storage is another excellent way to keep moisture at bay. Remember, moisture breaks down the mushroom, giving it a slimy texture and bad smell. By placing mushrooms in the oven, you can effectively dehydrate them. Make sure you use a low temperature, preferably around 150° Fahrenheit. Put your mushrooms onto your oven tray and cover them with a baking sheet.
You should leave space between them so they don't stick together. Cook them for an hour, flip them, and check on them until they crisp. After that, the mushroom moisture should evaporate. You can then store them in an airtight container and put them in the pantry.