How to Prepare and Store Fresh Button Mushrooms
[Button Mushrooms] Preparation and Freezing for Long-Term Storage
Button mushrooms are nutritional powerhouses, boasting the highest protein content among mushrooms and a good balance of minerals. Plus, with only 24kcal per 100g, they are an excellent choice for dieting! Let’s explore the best ways to prepare and store these low-calorie, satisfying ingredients to keep them fresh for longer.
Ingredients- Fresh button mushrooms, as needed
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
[About Button Mushrooms] Native to Europe, button mushrooms traditionally have a season in October. However, thanks to extensive cultivation, they are readily available year-round. You’ll find white button mushrooms, which are versatile in various dishes and can even be eaten raw, and brown button mushrooms, which have a firmer texture and a richer flavor, though they are best cooked. Brown mushrooms have a stronger aroma than white ones and should not be consumed raw. When selecting mushrooms, look for plump caps and firm stems. If the underside of the cap appears dark or bruised, the mushroom is past its prime. For white button mushrooms intended for raw consumption, choose ones that are pristine and white.
Step 2
[Preparing Button Mushrooms] Unless they are visibly muddy or have specific issues, it’s best not to wash button mushrooms. Washing them with water can diminish their unique flavor and aroma. Instead, gently wipe off any dirt or debris with a paper towel. The stems can sometimes be tough or have soil attached; in such cases, trimming off the very end of the stem will make them ready to use.
Step 3
[Refrigerated Storage: Keeping Them Fresh for About a Week] Button mushrooms dislike moisture, so storing them in the refrigerator at temperatures between 1-5°C (34-41°F) is ideal. Wrap them in paper towels or place them in an airtight container to manage humidity. As mentioned earlier, brown mushrooms generally keep better than white ones. For single households, I find it convenient to store one mushroom per tiny airtight container (around 120ml). This way, I can easily take out just what I need without compromising the freshness of the rest. When bought fresh, this method can keep them in good condition for about a week, and I’ve even managed to keep them for up to two weeks, though they will show some color changes.
Step 4
Over time, while refrigerated, I’ve observed that the edges of the mushroom caps start to dry out. The white mushrooms gradually turn brownish, and the surface may begin to crack slightly. This is a natural process as they age.
Step 5
[Frozen Storage: The Recommended Method for Longer Preservation] Freezing is highly recommended for button mushrooms over refrigeration for extended storage. I often use mushrooms in pasta dishes, so I prefer to slice them before freezing. Since I usually only need one mushroom per serving, slicing and freezing them individually makes them incredibly convenient to use later. To prevent browning, you can brush the sliced mushrooms with lemon juice. However, I personally prefer not to mix the flavor of lemon with the mushrooms and opt to freeze them as they are.
Step 6
By storing them in airtight containers, these frozen mushrooms can last for about a month. Of course, the best way to enjoy any ingredient is to consume it as soon as possible to ensure maximum freshness!
Step 7
To keep track, I use a label printer to mark the freezing date and intended storage period on each container. Having several of these ready in the freezer provides great peace of mind! A crucial tip for cooking frozen mushrooms: add them directly to your hot pan or pot without thawing. Thawing can release a lot of moisture, negatively impacting their texture and taste.