Even when you buy them fresh, the mushrooms still become incredibly slimy and unappetizing within a couple of days.
It’s regrettable to think about the waste of having to throw away an entire pack of mushrooms.
Here’s how to can oyster mushrooms: thoroughly clean them, chop them into smaller bits, blanch them, add salt, and finally place them in the pressure canner.
How do we prevent this from happening to our oyster mushrooms? The article provides answers to this question and so many more.
The article covers how to can oyster mushrooms, what are oyster mushrooms, et cetera.
Related: How to Remove Gills from Mushrooms
What Is Oyster Mushroom?
Table of Contents
The edible fungus known as the Oyster mushroom (Pleurotus ostreatus) was first cultivated in Germany during the First World War.
Then, it was regarded as a subsistence crop. It is now grown commercially all around the world.
Like the “king oyster” fungus, commonly cultivated in the same region, the edible fungi can also be used for mycoremediation.
The nutrients found in the fungi can help lower cholesterol. In addition, the statin drugs found in mushrooms also help lower cholesterol levels.
In Asian, Chinese, and Japanese cuisine, edible fungi are commonly used as a delicacy. They can be served as a soup or as a stir-fried dish.
In addition, the edible fungi can also be used in a sauce commonly used in Asian cooking. This is similar to the way oysters are used in the region.
How to Can Oyster Mushrooms
This recipe calls for preserving the mushrooms in a pressure canner. This method is essential when preserving food with low acid content.
Ingredients needed to can oyster mushrooms are; canning jars and lids, a pressure canner, and salt.
To successfully can your oyster mushroom, take the following easy steps;
1. Thoroughly Clean
Before you start caning your mushrooms, make sure that they are thoroughly cleaned.
Doing so will remove any debris and dirt that might have accumulated in the area where the mushrooms were grown.
2. Chop the Mushrooms
After cleaning, chop the mushrooms into smaller bits.
3. Blanch Them
In a large pot, bring the water to a rolling boil. When the water begins to boil, submerge the mushrooms in it.
Blanch them for around 5 minutes. You can also heat the water in your pressure canner simultaneously.
4. Add Salt
Spread the blanched mushrooms evenly in your jars, leaving around 1/2 inch of space at the top.
In addition, add 1/2 teaspoon of salt to the mushrooms to help prevent bacterial growth.
5. Place the Jars Inside the Pressure Canner
Carefully place the jars inside the pressure canner with hot water
The amount of water you use will depend on the height of the jars and the type of canner you use.
Follow the directions provided by your canner to ensure that the process is safe.
After an hour, turn off the heat and allow the pressure in the canner to drop naturally.
When the pressure has dropped, carefully remove the jars and transfer them to a clean and cool surface.
After a couple of hours, check for the proper seals. Finally, store the food in a cool dark place.
Read: How to Clean Portobello Mushrooms
Other Ways of Preserving Oyster Mushrooms
There are several other ways of preserving oyster mushrooms besides canning. These are some of them;
1. Storage in the Fridge
If you bought them pre-packaged, they could be kept in the packaging. However, open it up to allow air to flow and prevent the moisture from forming.
If you prefer to buy them fresh, you can store them in a paper bag or a drawer inside your refrigerator instead of buying them in bulk.
Stored mushrooms can release moisture which is why paper towels and bags are the preferred option to help absorb the water.
Never place them near pungent food items such as garlic, onions, and certain types of vegetables, as these can affect the taste of the mushrooms.
Also, since they can absorb the scent of these foods, they can alter the way they taste.
Finally, it is important to note that you can only store them for one week in the Fridge.
2. Storage in the Freezer
If you want to keep your oyster mushrooms fresh for a long time, then freezing them is a great option.
They can be frozen in either their raw or stir-fried state. They can be stored in an airtight container or a plastic ziplock bag.
If you want to use them immediately, just thaw them for a couple of minutes.
3. Storage in the Pantry
Since they have high water content, keeping them in the Fridge is the best way to ensure that they remain fresh for a long time.
However, if they are to be used in a few days, you can store them in the pantry.
4. Dehydration
The shelf life of dehydrated mushrooms is usually around 6 to 8 months.
When used for commercial purposes, they are typically dried using a combination of equipment such as a vacuum.
If you plan on making your dehydrated mushrooms, then a food dehydrator is the easiest method to try.
In addition to this, you can also use a microwave or a wire rack to dry them. Another easy technique is to let them air dry under direct sunlight.
Although dehydration will shrink the size of the mushrooms, it does not affect their taste.
Rehydrating them will allow them to retain their natural size. For this, submerge them in water for a couple of minutes.
Health Benefits of Oyster Mushroom
Oyster mushroom has some fantastic health benefits. They include the following;
1. It Improves the Immune System
The beta-glucans found in oysters are known to help boost the immune system’s ability to fight infections. They are also instrumental against long-term illnesses.
Aside from being beneficial for the immune system, oysters also contain other nutrients that can help prevent free radical damage.
2. Lowers High Blood Pressure
A study conducted on rats revealed that eating fungi, such as oysters can lower blood pressure.
In addition, it was able to show that the rodents’ blood pressure decreased after experiencing unexplained high blood pressure.
3. Regulates High Cholesterol
Since they have a savory flavor and do not contain cholesterol, oysters are an excellent alternative to meat in many recipes.
Another study also revealed that consuming oysters can lower cholesterol and triglycerides levels in diabetic individuals. It also helped lower blood sugar levels.
