Shiitake mushrooms should definitely be cleaned before consumption. To ensure that the mushrooms do not lose their taste, you should follow a few tips.
Cleaning shiitake mushrooms: this is how it works
The Shiitake mushrooms originate in Asia but are now also cultivated in Germany and Europe. If you have shiitake mushrooms at home, you should clean them before eating them, but do not rinse them with water.
- Shiitake mushrooms usually do not require extensive preparation. You don’t have to wash the mushrooms, just brush them briefly.
- It is best to use a brush or kitchen paper when cleaning. Slightly dampen the tool and gently go over the entire mushroom with it.
- The stalks of the mushrooms can be used in their entirety; you should only be careful to remove the stem ends if they are dry.
Proper storage of shiitake mushrooms
Fresh shiitake mushrooms will keep in the fridge for a few days. However, you can also freeze the mushrooms to make them last longer.
- Shiitake mushrooms have the most intense flavor when you consume them fresh. If you don’t want to prepare the fresh mushrooms straight away, you can also wrap them loosely in kitchen paper and store them in the fridge for about 5-7 days.
- If you have already cleaned the mushrooms and do not want to use them immediately, you can freeze them. It is up to you whether you want to cut the mushrooms into small pieces in advance or not.
- You can freeze fresh shiitake mushrooms as well as ready-made dishes with the mushrooms. However, you should keep in mind that the mushrooms can lose their flavor over time in the freezer.
- Fresh shiitake mushrooms can be eaten frozen for about 9-12 months, fresh and sliced for about 8-12 months, and cooked mushrooms for about 2-3 months.