Storing Chicken Of The Woods: Best Practices

Chicken of the Woods mushrooms are edible bracket fungi that grow on old, dying, or dead trees. They are highly sought after and can be found at local farmers' markets or specialty food stores. When storing these mushrooms, it is important to note that they should not be washed until just before use and should be stored in a paper bag in the refrigerator, where they will last for about a week. If you wish to store them for longer, they can be frozen for up to a year without cooking them first, although some recommend lightly sauteing them before freezing.

Refrigerate for up to 10 days in a paper bag

Chicken of the Woods mushrooms can be stored in a refrigerator for up to 10 days. To do this, first clean the mushrooms by trimming away any woody or insect-eaten portions. Brush away loose dirt, bark, or leaf pieces, then rinse under cool water and pat dry with a paper towel. It is important that the mushrooms are dry before storing them, as they can become soft and mushy if they get too wet. Once dry, place the mushrooms in a brown paper bag and store them on a shelf in your fridge, ensuring they are not placed next to strong-smelling foods and that nothing is put on top of them, as young mushrooms bruise easily.

If you have more mushrooms than you can consume within 7-10 days, or you want to keep them for longer, you will need to use a long-term storage solution such as freezing or drying. Freezing is a great way to store Chicken of the Woods mushrooms, as they retain their flavour and texture even after being frozen. To freeze the mushrooms, cut them into half-inch pieces and place them in a Ziploc bag, ensuring they are completely dry. Then, place the Ziploc bag inside a vacuum seal bag to ensure freshness. Finally, put the bags into the freezer, where the mushrooms will stay fresh for up to 12 months. When you are ready to use the frozen mushrooms, simply take them out and throw them into a skillet—there is no need to thaw them first.

Clean and freeze for up to 12 months

Chicken of the Woods mushrooms are celebrated for their meaty flavour and texture. They are also known as Sulphur Shelf mushrooms. They are big mushrooms, often nearing 2 feet across, and their bright orange and white colours make them stand out in the woods. They can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 10 days. However, if you want to store them for longer, you can keep them in the freezer for up to 12 months.

To clean and freeze Chicken of the Woods mushrooms for up to 12 months, start by trimming away any tough, woody, or insect-eaten portions of the mushrooms. Brush away any loose dirt, bark, or leaf pieces. You can use a semi-wet mushroom brush for this. Then, give the mushrooms a quick rinse and rub down to get any remaining dirt off. It is important that the mushrooms are not wet for too long, or they will start to absorb the water and get mushy. Make sure to dry them completely with a paper towel.

Next, cut the mushrooms into half-inch chunks or strips. Place as many pieces as you can into a large zip lock bag. You can also use a vacuum seal bag to ensure freshness. Place the bag into the freezer, and your mushrooms will stay super fresh for up to 12 months. When you are ready to eat them, just take them out and throw them onto a skillet. There is no need to thaw them out first. You can also cook them in a soup after freezing.

Vacuum sealing

Cleaning and Preparing the Mushrooms:

• Start by cleaning the mushrooms thoroughly. Trim away any woody, tough, or insect-eaten portions. Use a semi-wet mushroom brush to gently brush away any loose dirt, bark, or leaf debris.
• Rinse the mushrooms under cool water, then pat them dry with a paper towel or clean kitchen towel. It is crucial to ensure the mushrooms are completely dry before packaging to prevent them from becoming soft and mushy during storage.
• Cut the mushrooms into desired sizes. Some people suggest cutting them into half-inch pieces or strips, which can be convenient for later use.
• Place the cleaned and cut mushrooms into a Ziploc bag. Do not seal the bag yet.
• Put the open bag of mushrooms into the freezer for 3 to 4 hours. This step helps remove any excess moisture and prevent frost buildup inside the bag.
• Take the bag out of the freezer and wipe away any frost that may have formed inside.
• Now, use a vacuum sealer to seal the bag. Place the sealed bag back into the freezer for long-term storage.

Cooking and Using the Frozen Mushrooms:

• When you're ready to use the mushrooms, simply take them out of the freezer and throw them into your skillet or recipe. There is no need to thaw them first.
• Chicken of the woods mushrooms retain their flavour and texture even after being frozen.
• You can also lightly sauté the mushrooms in butter before freezing, as some people suggest, but it is not necessary.

Dehydrate and use in soups

Chicken of the Woods mushrooms are a versatile treat and can be stored in various ways. One of the best ways to store them is by dehydrating them and then using them in soups.

Firstly, you need to clean the mushrooms. Trim away any woody or insect-eaten portions. Brush away any loose dirt, bark, or leaf pieces. Rinse the mushrooms well under cool water, then pat them dry with a paper towel or clean kitchen towel. It is important that the mushrooms are dry before you dehydrate them.

Next, you can either use a dehydrator or dry the mushrooms without one. If you are using a dehydrator, place the cleaned mushrooms in the dehydrator and follow the manufacturer's instructions. If you don't have a dehydrator, you can dry the mushrooms in an oven at a low temperature (around 125-135°F) for several hours until they are completely dry.

Once the mushrooms are dehydrated, you can grind them into a powder using a blender or coffee grinder. This powder can then be added to soups to boost the flavour. Alternatively, you can rehydrate the mushrooms by soaking them in warm water for about 20 minutes before adding them to your soup.

Dehydrating Chicken of the Woods mushrooms is a great way to preserve them for long periods and can be a tasty addition to your soups and stews.

Sauté in butter and salt before freezing

Chicken of the Woods mushrooms are big mushrooms that can grow up to 2 feet across. They are known for their bright orange and white colors and can be easily spotted from a distance. These mushrooms are versatile and can be used in a variety of dishes, from soups and stews to stir-fries and sandwiches.

Chicken of the Woods mushrooms can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. However, if you want to store them for longer, freezing is the best option. Here is a step-by-step guide to freezing Chicken of the Woods mushrooms after sautéing in butter and salt:

Step 1: Clean and Prepare the Mushrooms

Start by cleaning the mushrooms thoroughly. Trim away any woody or insect-eaten portions and brush away any loose dirt, bark, or leaf pieces. Rinse the mushrooms well under cool water, then pat them dry with a paper towel or clean kitchen towel. It is important that the mushrooms are dry before the next step, or they may become soft and mushy.

Step 2: Sauté in Butter and Salt

In a large skillet, heat butter over medium-high heat until melted. Add the cleaned mushrooms to the skillet and sauté until they are soft and wilted. Season the mushrooms with salt to taste. Sautéing in butter and salt will enhance the flavour and texture of the mushrooms before freezing.

Step 3: Cool the Mushrooms

Once the mushrooms are sautéed, remove them from the heat and let them cool down to room temperature. It is important that the mushrooms are cooled before the next step to prevent moisture buildup in the storage container.

Step 4: Portion and Package the Mushrooms

After the mushrooms have cooled, portion them into small batches and place them into Ziploc bags or other freezer-safe containers. It is recommended to use multiple small containers instead of one large container to make it easier to thaw smaller portions as needed.

Step 5: Seal and Freeze

Before sealing the bags, remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. You can use a vacuum sealer for this step if available. Place the bags of mushrooms into the freezer, and they will stay fresh for at least six months and often longer.

By following these steps, you can enjoy Chicken of the Woods mushrooms throughout the year, even when they are not in season. Sautéing in butter and salt before freezing adds flavour and texture, making them a delicious addition to your meals even after freezing.

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