How long do oyster mushrooms last? Definitely not the usual fungi you know.
Oyster mushrooms are versatile and delicious.
It can be eaten at any time, in any diet and as any meal.
It also has tons of benefits attached. For healthy living, it is recommended that you consume oyster mushrooms.
Dig in to find out all you need to know about the shell life and storage of oyster mushrooms.
So, how long do oyster mushrooms last in the fridge?
While refrigerated, they will stay fresh for 5 to 7 days.
Ensure it is wrapped up loosely in a paper bag for better storage.
Temperature affects oyster mushrooms greatly, ensure it is cool enough and the temperature doesn’t fluctuate.
To avoid this, place it in the interior part of the fridge, not the door region.
No matter how fresh oyster mushrooms are at the time of purchase, they will go bad if not preserved properly.
Once it is bad, it is unsafe for consumption so it has to be thrown away. That’s a waste of money and food.
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How Long Does King Oyster Mushroom Last?
It’s called king for some reason. Firstly, it is large in size when measured in cm, compared to others.
Secondly, it retains its shape even after being cooked.
It will last for as long as 1 – 2 weeks in the refrigerator.
Store them in a paper bag which will enable them to breathe.
Then put it in the main compartment of the fridge.
The average shell life of King Oyster Mushrooms is 10 days.
But if properly stored and refrigerated, it will span up to 2 weeks.
However, dried King Oyster mushrooms will last up to 2 years, in a sealed airtight container.
The reason is that moisture is limited. Moisture is one of the factors responsible for spoilage.
How Do I Know If My Oyster Mushrooms Have Gone Bad?
A bad oyster mushroom cannot hide. It will have very vivid signs for you to know it’s no longer safe for consumption.
A bad oyster mushroom will appear darker in colour.
This means bacteria have worked on it, affecting the appearance and by extension, the quality.
Another sign of spoilage is a slimy and sticky texture.
Originally, oyster mushrooms are dry and crisp when held, but a bad oyster mushroom will feel wet.
Also, bad mushrooms will look wrinkled and sapped for their glory.
Fresh mushroom is meant to look plump and fresh due to the water content in them.
This appearance and texture will make it unappealing to consume. And if consumed notwithstanding, there is a high risk of health problems.
You must understand that one factor of spoilage is air.
When mushrooms are exposed to air, it oxidizes and discolours, thereby having dark spots. This is a sign of spoilage.
If the mushrooms have become dry but not slimy, it is a sign that they will go bad soon.
So use them up. But if there are more signs apart from the shrivelled nature,
it’s a sign to throw it away. It is far gone.
The good news is that you can redeem an oyster mushroom that is just starting to go bad.
If it’s not extremely bad, you can quickly cook it, cool and refrigerate it.
But oyster mushroom that is quite bad should be discarded.
It is wise to purchase mushrooms that are plump, firm, smooth and spotless.
These types are in the top tier condition and will stay up to a week.
How Long Do Pink Oyster Mushrooms Last?
Pink Oyster mushrooms have a meaty flavour, taste and colour.
Just as meats are very perishable, pink Oyster Mushrooms have a short life span of 3 days when kept in the refrigerator.
If properly dehydrated, the moisture content will reduce any risk of spoilage will reduce too. It will span up to 6 months.
Certain rules must be followed to keep pink Oyster mushrooms safe.
You should not wash your pink Oyster mushrooms before storing them.
Washing it will make it spoil faster. Instead, clean it.
Pink Oyster mushrooms can also survive 1 month if stored in the freezer.
Keep away from foods with a strong smell because it will affect the flavour of your pink Oyster mushrooms.
You can freeze them either cooked or raw.
The only con is that freezing slightly affects the texture.
How Long Do Dried Oyster Mushrooms Last?
Dried Oyster mushrooms will stay for as long as 1 – 2 years
Especially when sealed in an airtight container, and kept in a cool, dry and dark place away from air, moisture and sunlight.
Dried Oyster mushrooms need to be revived by moisturizing before use.
Dried oyster mushrooms are as healthy as their fresh counterpart,
They give fibre, vitamin D, potassium, vitamin B, copper, folate, calcium and phosphorus.
Packed full of nutrients for different purposes in the body.
You should not miss out on Oyster mushrooms.
How Long Do Oyster Mushrooms Take To Cook?
Oyster mushrooms will take about 3 – 5 minutes to brown on one side,
Then toss it over and it will take another 3 – 5 minutes to brown on the other side. That’s approximately 6 – 10 minutes.
The cooking time varies from cooker to cooker, and recipe to recipe.
The most important thing is to cook it till it is tender enough. As soon as it is tender, turn off the heat.
Oyster mushrooms can be eaten raw with salad, but it brings out a metallic taste.
Cooking it will make it tender and sumptuous, giving it a velvety feel.
A properly cooked oyster mushroom will become chewy, but soft.
Always remember that mushrooms don’t have to be washed before cooking them.
Just clean it with a paper towel. Next, melt butter or heat oil over medium heat.
Then, cook them till it turns golden. Flip over.
Add additional flavours like garlic, onions, salt, and pepper.
Reduce the heat if it’s too high. It shouldn’t be darker than golden.
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How To Store Wild Oyster Mushrooms?
Wild Oyster mushrooms shouldn’t be kept in the wild, with wild animals.
They should be kept at home, and stored in the vegetable compartment of the refrigerator.
It is recommended that you keep them in a lidded container, that is slightly opened either perforated or not tightly closed.
They should breathe well. If properly stored, it will last 2 weeks.
It will be rare to find Wild Oyster mushrooms growing from the ground.
They are commonly found on dead trees and logs.
Can You Freeze Oyster Mushrooms?
Yes. 1 month is the maximum recommended time for freezing oyster mushrooms.
The package is tightly wrapped in order to preserve its freshness and quality.
They can be kept in the freezer either in their raw state or stir-fried state.
The most important thing is keeping it wrapped, and the next important thing is consuming it within 1 month.
Experts have it that, keeping oyster mushrooms in the freezer longer than 1 month, may result in a worse condition at the time of thawing.
One tip on freezing mushrooms is to sauté them before freezing.
Due to its water content, this process will keep it fresher. You can slice them or leave them whole.
10 Best Substitutes For Oyster Mushrooms
Oyster mushrooms are splendid for dishes. But what if you meet a dead-end, and there are no oyster mushrooms nearby?
Here’s a hand-picked list of the best substitutes for oyster mushrooms, curated from deep research;
1. Shiitake mushrooms
These mushrooms are affordable and available at any time of the year. Perfect for dishes in which oyster mushrooms are often used.
2. Button mushrooms.
These are good choices if you seek a substitute that is similar in colour, texture and shape to oyster mushrooms.
Perfect for soup, stew and pasta dishes.
3. Enoki mushrooms.
These substitutes are healthy, with a delicate flavour. However, they need to be placed in a perforated bag and refrigerate immediately.
4. Matsutake mushrooms.
Still a rare specie in the United States, they are becoming popular in other parts.
It has a strong spicy flavour, with a touch of cinnamon.
When fresh, it is firm to the touch. When dried, it has a long shelf life even without refrigeration.
5. Portabella mushrooms
A widely used substitute because they have the same texture as oyster mushrooms when cooked.
They also look like oyster mushrooms with light caramel colour and long thin stems.
Cooked portabella mushrooms have a meaty flavour.
6. Porcini mushrooms
Although they have a pungent smell, they also have a great meaty taste.
Great thing is that they don’t shrink in size after cooking, whether in stew or soup.
7. Chanterelle mushrooms
These are a great delight to French cuisines because of their nutty flavour and meaty texture.
Due to their unique nature and rareness, they can be a bit high in price.
They have a yellow, bright orange colour.
The disadvantage is that they may be poisonous if you’re not an expert. Do not cook or eat if in doubt.
8. Morel mushroom
They don’t have an appealing look but definitely taste meaty and nutty goodness.
They are wild and can be found in the middle of the woods.
Morel has a poisonous look-alike, only experts can tell the difference.
They are quite expensive as well and are not readily available.
9. Cremini mushroom
10. White mushrooms
You may not notice the difference in taste in your dishes while using substitutes for oyster mushrooms.
So long as you follow the instructions your recipes demand, and understand the mushroom you’re dealing with.
How To Store King Oyster Mushrooms
Store in a paper bag. One that allows them to breathe.
Then put the paper bag in the main compartment of the refrigerator, maintaining a temperature of less than 40⁰F constantly. It will last for 2 weeks.
To freeze, peel off and clean the mushrooms. Do not wash.
Then wrap it in a sheet of film, and bag it up. And store in the freezer. It will last for 1 month.
The pantry is not conducive for mushrooms as they are to be protected from excess air, moisture and heat.
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Conclusion
As a human, your body requires nutrients, gotten from foods, to keep it going.
These are edible and nutritious, especially on a meat-free diet. It gives an additional feel to pasta dishes and stir-fries.
Apart from the tasty benefits, oyster mushrooms have health benefits attached.
Over the years, experts have used it in medicine and to promote health.
Oyster mushroom is rich in fibre, vitamins and minerals.
They are low in carbohydrates which is perfect for those practising low-carb diet patterns.
They are also a good source of antioxidants which reduce damage in human cells.
Experts have it that your heart is safe with the consumption of Oyster mushroom.
Risks of heart problems, high blood pressure and cholesterol are limited.
When taken as a supplement or included in your diet, you’ll enhance the regulation of sugar levels, reducing the risk of diabetes.
Enjoy a balanced meal by adding oyster mushrooms to your diet.
This will enhance the functionality of your body system.
Remember, stick to grocery mushrooms that have been certified edible.
Only if you’re an expert, you can forage for mushrooms in the wild or woods.
Nahy mushrooms have identicals that are poisonous.