How long do shiitake mushrooms last? The shiitake mushroom (Lentinula Edodes) is an edible fungus native to Japan and China,
Which is now cultivated and consumed around the globe. It contains a chemical called lentinan which might stimulate the immune system.
It is considered a medicinal mushroom in some forms of traditional medicine for flu, the common cold, and many other conditions,
But there are no good scientific backups to support these uses.
So, how long do shiitake mushrooms last in the fridge?
Shiitake mushrooms will stay fresh for up to 2 weeks.
The secret to keeping bulk mushrooms to stay fresh longer is by taking them out of their container
Then wrap them in paper towels before placing them in open plastic or paper bags and then stored them in the fridge.
You can also keep them fresh longer by cutting open the top of the shrink-wrapped package,
Remove the plastic wrap, and then cover loosely with a paper towel before storing them in the fridge
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How Long Do Sliced Shitake Mushrooms Last?
Depending on the storage method, shiitake mushrooms can last from 12 hours to 12 months.
Shiitake mushrooms stored at room temperature have the shortest shelf life as they can only last for about 12 hours before they begin to turn slimy and spoil.
They can last up to 14 days in the fridge if properly stored in a brown bag in the crisper drawer.
You can also dehydrate your shiitake mushrooms can store them for up to 9 months,
But when frozen they can last up to 12 months in the freezer when stored properly.
Note that freezing is not an ideal method for the storage of Shiitake mushrooms
As it will negatively impact the number of nutrients and vitamins available in the mushroom and also the texture.
The best and most common way to store them is in a paper bag or breathable container stored in the fridge’s crisper drawer.
How Do You Store Shitake Mushrooms In The Fridge?
Keeping the Shiitake mushrooms in the fridge is considered the best storage method.
To prevent them from absorbing other odors and flavors, ensure to put them in the crisper drawer while sitting in your fridge.
To extend the shelf life and freshness of your Shiitake mushrooms when stored in the fridge,
Wrap them in a paper towel and place them on a plate before storing them in your fridge
How Long Do Cooked Shitake Mushrooms Last?
If your store your cooked Shiitake mushrooms in a sealed container in the fridge, they will last up to 5 days
How To Dry Shitake Mushrooms
To dry Shiitake mushrooms the first thing to do is to cut off the shiitake stems and brush off any dust and dirt.
Lay them in the basket and place them in a well-ventilated area i.e any area of the house with a ready supply of fresh air.
Preferably you can take it outside to dry when it is not raining.
Leave it alone to air-dry for a few days (usually from a week to 10 days depending on humidity levels and the size of the mushrooms ), until they do not give when squeezed.
When it is completely dried, store it for up to 9 months in an airtight glass container.
How Long Do Dehydrated Mushrooms Last?
If stored in a resealable plastic bag or, preferably, an airtight container in a cool, dark place like the back of your cupboard or even your freezer,
Dehydrated mushrooms will last indefinitely as long as they don’t come in contact with Moisture or water.
How Long Do Rehydrated Shitake Mushrooms Last?
Try to use up your rehydrated dried mushrooms immediately because that is when they will be at their best.
However, you can still store them in the fridge for up to one week in an airtight container.
How To Tell If Shitake Mushrooms Have Gone Bad
It is important to check your Shiitake mushrooms before cooking
This is because they can go bad quickly.
Throw the mushrooms if they are slime accumulation, cracked or dried out stems, wrinkles, and puckering of the outer skin,
Or if the underside of the caps is darker than when you bought them.
If you notice that the flesh of the Shiitake mushroom no longer bounces back when pressed
The mushroom’s gills have become very dark with brown or dark spots and patches on the top and are associated with a strong odor,
Then it means the mushrooms are decaying and should be thrown out.
How Long Do Shiitake Mushrooms Take To Cook?
It takes at least 5 to 7 minutes to cook shiitake mushrooms.
The mushrooms must reach an internal cooking temperature of 266°F to 293°F
To cook the shiitake mushrooms, you have to bring the stock to a boil, lower the flame and allow the stock to simmer,
Then add the rest of the ingredients and simmer for about five minutes or until the shiitake mushrooms are tender and lightly browned.
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How To Tell If Shitake Mushrooms Are Good Or Fresh
Smell the shiitake mushrooms to check if they have gone bad.
Shiitake naturally have an odor but do not confuse the smell of a decaying mushroom with that of a fresh mushroom.
Fresh shiitake mushrooms should have a nutty, earthy, almost garlicky aroma
Which will intensify when dehydrated, and some describe it as a sulfurous almost cheesy smell.
Throw the shiitake mushrooms if they smell sour or like ammonia or overly pungent.
10 Best Substitutes For Shitake Mushrooms
1. White Button Mushrooms
White Button Mushrooms are among the easiest shiitake substitute to find.
They’re similar in size to shiitake mushrooms but their flavor is not as meaty or earthy
2. Portobello Mushrooms
Portobello mushrooms are a perfect choice for a shiitake substitute
This is because they have a similar texture and flavor, so much so that you will not notice a difference at all.
Cooking them is pretty much the same because both varieties have a firm texture and an earthy scent.
Portobello mushrooms can substitute for shiitake mushrooms and works in virtually any dish.
You can cook, grill, or even make a sauce out of them.
3. Porcini Mushrooms
You can use Porcini Mushrooms in a recipe that requires shiitake mushrooms.
Porcini are delicate, and fleshy, and have a rich nutty taste that will make a great addition to any dish.
This mushroom goes excellent with dishes from most European cuisines and is also an excellent recipe for all kinds of brown sauces,
Most especially, it goes well with grilled steak.
When add to pasta and risotto, they give a deeply rich flavor you won’t be able to resist.
4. Oyster Mushrooms
Not only do Oyster mushrooms serve as a substitute in dishes that calls for shiitake, but they can also even be used to substitute meat in certain recipes.
They have such a distinct taste that they can add a sweet seafood-like flavor to your dish.
The difference between oyster and shiitake mushrooms is that Oyster mushrooms take almost double the time to cook, and they must be cooked thoroughly before eating.
5. Cremini Mushrooms
Whenever a recipe demands shiitake mushrooms, and you have none,
Cremini mushrooms are a well-known shiitake substitute that will make up for it flawlessly.
They are smooth to the touch and have brown skin with rounded tips,
You can use these substitutes in the same manner as portobello mushrooms because they are directly related.
Cremini mushrooms make an excellent addition to risotto, sauces, and pasta.
This is Because of their rich and earthy flavor and firm and fleshy consistency,
You can also add them to stews and combine them with any type of meat.
6. Dried Shiitake Mushrooms
In case you can’t get your hands on fresh shiitake mushrooms, you can use their dry variety in dishes that call for the mushrooms.
The dry ones have a stronger scent than their fresh counterparts, so you might need a bit less than you usually would.
7. Tempeh
Tempeh is a traditional Javanese dish and is made by a unique fermentation process that binds soybeans into a cake-like form.
If you are allergic to mushrooms or you’re looking for a non-mushroom substitute, tempeh fits into most dishes,
It also adds the umami flavor that most fungi usually provide.
8. Maitake Mushrooms
These mushrooms are extremely delicate, so they are not the best substitute for shiitake in stews or stir-fries,
As they lack that meaty flavor. However, they are perfect for omelets, sauces, fried dishes, or side dishes.
9. Lobster Mushrooms
You can easily spot Lobster mushrooms due to their bright orange color and tiny white dots that cover their entire surface.
Even if they might be unappealing visually, these mushrooms have a tangy and earthy flavor that will replace shiitake completely in any type of dish.
10. Enoki Mushrooms
This substitute for shiitake is extremely delicate and can be eaten raw.
When used as a substitute in sauteed dishes, stir-fries, and soups, ensure you don’t cook them for too long so they don’t overcook.
Can You Eat Out Of Date Shitake
It is never recommended to eat expired Shiitake mushrooms, as they can make you sick when spoiling.
If you notice evidence of spoilage, such as a strong odor, brown spots, slime accumulation, and/or dark gills, it is best to throw them out.
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Conclusion
Shiitake has a rich flavor, meaty texture, and high nutritional value.
They are likely safe when cooked and eaten in food amounts,
But when used in larger amounts as medicine, or when the uncooked mushroom is eaten they’re possibly unsafe.