[Explanation with photos! ] Shiitake mushroom freezing method and storage period, 5 recipes

Have you ever had a problem with having leftover shiitake mushrooms?

You often want to use only a small amount of shiitake mushrooms, not a lot.

In such cases, we recommend freezing shiitake mushrooms.

If you freeze shiitake mushrooms during your free time, you can use only the amount you need when you need it.

This time we will introduce how to freeze and thaw shiitake mushrooms.

Advantages of freezing shiitake mushrooms

There are two advantages to freezing shiitake mushrooms.

can last a long time

The first is that it can last a long time. It lasts a lot longer than regular shiitake mushrooms, so it's convenient when you receive a large amount of shiitake mushrooms.

Easy to use for cooking

The second thing is that you can easily use shiitake mushrooms in your cooking.

All you have to do is put it in a freezer bag, so you can use it right away even if you just want to use a little bit of shiitake mushrooms.

Using a small amount of shiitake mushrooms can greatly improve the flavor of your dishes, so it's a good idea to use them wisely.

How to freeze shiitake mushrooms

Let's take a look at how to freeze shiitake mushrooms.

1. First, use kitchen paper to quickly remove any dirt from the shiitake mushrooms.

Please note that Shiitake mushrooms are very sensitive to water, so do not wash them. Leave it as is or just wipe it with kitchen paper.

2. Cut off the tops of the shiitake mushrooms.

Setsutsu is the stem of a shiitake mushroom. You can remove the stems and store them as is, or you can cut the shiitake mushrooms into slices or whatever you like before storing them.

3. Put it in a freezer bag, squeeze out the air, seal it, and put it in the freezer.

You can also use a straw to suck out the air.

How to defrost shiitake mushrooms and storage period

How to defrost shiitake mushrooms

Frozen shiitake mushrooms can be added to the cooking process while still frozen, without thawing them.

If you defrost shiitake mushrooms that have been stored in the freezer, either by defrosting them naturally or by heating them in the microwave, they will release moisture and become shriveled or soggy.

Please use it as is without unzipping it.

Storage period of shiitake mushrooms

The shelf life of frozen shiitake mushrooms is approximately one month.

It will slowly deteriorate in the freezer, so it is best to eat it up as soon as possible.

>> Best before date and tips for extending the best before date for frozen meat and fish

>> 3 points to keep in mind when preserving vegetables

A nutritionist explains! About the nutrition of shiitake mushrooms

shiitake mushroom nutrition
Shiitake mushrooms contain a lot of dietary fiber and improve the intestinal environment. It is especially high in insoluble dietary fiber, which absorbs water and expands in the stomach and intestines, which activates intestinal movements and is effective in preventing constipation.

It also contains ergosterol, a precursor of vitamin D, which converts to vitamin D when exposed to sunlight. Vitamin D increases calcium absorption and strengthens bones.

Just exposing fresh shiitake mushrooms to sunlight for about 30 minutes increases vitamin D, so it's a good idea to expose them to sunlight before cooking.

Shiitake mushrooms can help prevent cancer!
Shiitake mushrooms contain a polysaccharide called lentinan. Lentinan is an ingredient that is also used in anticancer drugs, and is expected to have the effect of increasing immunity and suppressing the proliferation of cancer cells.

Increase the flavor with dried shiitake mushrooms
Umami ingredients include glutamic acid, inosinic acid, and guanylic acid. Shiitake mushrooms contain guanylic acid, but raw shiitake mushrooms contain almost no guanylic acid.

Drying shiitake mushrooms produces guanylic acid, which increases the flavor.

The rehydrated dried shiitake mushrooms also contain a lot of umami ingredients, so be sure to cook the rehydrated mushrooms as well.

How to identify shiitake mushrooms
1.Shiitake mushrooms with thick caps
2. Items whose umbrellas are not fully opened
3. Those with thick shafts
4.The back of the umbrella is white. As it gets older, it becomes yellowish

Nutritionist Ruri

Obtained nutritionist qualifications from Toita Women's Junior College and graduated from the same university. After graduating from Kyorin University, she also obtained a qualification as a food hygiene manager. Currently at DayBreak Co., Ltd., she oversees various food freezing research and writing informative content about food. Her hobbies are traveling and hula dancing.

5 easy recipes using frozen shiitake mushrooms

Oven-baked shiitake mushrooms and bacon

Source: http://cookpad.com/recipe/4110453

☑＜材料（７個分）＞
・丸いままで冷凍したしいたけ７個
・ベーコン１/２パック
・マヨネーズ適量
・溶けるチーズ５０グラム
・塩少々
・こしょう少々

1) Take out 12 frozen shiitake mushrooms.
2) Chop the bacon into small pieces.
3) Spread mayonnaise on the folds of the shiitake mushrooms. Place bacon and cheese on top. Season with salt and pepper.
4) Bake in a toaster oven for about 7 minutes.
5) When the cheese melts and gives off a nice aroma, remove it and place it in a bowl. It's done.

This is a useful dish that is easy to make and looks great.

Shiitake and tofu miso soup

Source: http://cookpad.com/recipe/3089635

☑＜材料（４人分）＞
・薄くスライスして冷凍したしいたけ適量
・豆腐１丁
・乾燥わかめ適量
・だしの素小さじ１
・みそ適量

1) Prepare an appropriate amount of frozen shiitake mushrooms.
2) Put frozen shiitake mushrooms, water, and dashi stock into a pot and heat.
3) Once it boils, cut the tofu to your liking and add it. Dissolve the miso. Also add dried seaweed.
4) Once boiled, serve in a bowl and serve.

Miso soup is a classic miso soup that goes well with any Japanese dish. You can quickly make it anytime, morning, noon, or night.

Spicy shiitake and konjac stew

Source: http://cookpad.com/recipe/1743482

☑＜材料（４人分）＞
・スライスして冷凍したしいたけ適量
・板こんにゃく１枚
・ごま油大さじ１
・酒大さじ２
・砂糖小さじ２
・みそ大さじ２
・だしの素適量

1) Prepare an appropriate amount of frozen shiitake mushrooms.
2) Tear the plank konnyaku into desired size pieces with a spoon, boil them lightly, and remove the scum.
3) Add sesame oil to a frying pan, heat, and stir-fry the konnyaku and frozen shiitake mushrooms.
4) Add all the seasonings and let the flavors soak in.
5) Once the liquid has evaporated, turn off the heat, put it in a bowl, and it's done.

It's a low-calorie, healthy dish that can be made in no time. You can rest assured even when you are on a diet.

Shiitake mushroom sautéed in butter

Source: http://cookpad.com/recipe/3437215

☑＜材料（２人分）＞
・スライスして冷凍したしいたけ適量
・ベーコン２～３枚
・好みのお野菜適量
・バター適量
・鶏がらスープの素小さじ１
・しょうゆ小さじ１
・塩少々
・こしょう少々

1) Prepare frozen shiitake mushrooms. Cut bacon into desired size. Chop each vegetable as well.
2) Heat a frying pan, add butter, and fry bacon, vegetables, and shiitake mushrooms.
3) When it becomes soft all over, add the chicken stock and soy sauce.
4) Finally, adjust the taste with salt and pepper.
5) Pour into a bowl and it's done.

You can make it gorgeous depending on the vegetables you add. This is a convenient menu that allows you to clear out leftover vegetables that are sitting in your refrigerator.

Shiitake mushroom rice

Source: http://cookpad.com/recipe/4235983

☑＜材料（４人分）＞
・スライスして冷凍したしいたけ適量
・米１カップ
・ごぼう３０フラム
・油あげ１枚
・シーチキン２０グラム
・にんじん２０グラム
・冷凍グリンピース１５グラム
・だしの素適量

1) Prepare frozen shiitake mushrooms. Wash the rice and set aside.
2) Cut the burdock, fried tofu, and carrots into desired sizes.
3) Remove the chicken from the can and drain the oil. We also have frozen green peas available.
4) Add the rice and all other ingredients and seasonings to the rice cooker.
5) Add 1.5 cups of water and turn on the switch.
6) When the rice is cooked, mix it with a rice scoop, put it in a bowl, and it's done.

This is a simple shiitake mushroom rice that doesn't require much effort.

Conclusion

How was it?

You can make a dish using shiitake mushrooms as the main ingredient, but they can also be used as a secondary ingredient.

Instead of cutting and using fresh shiitake mushrooms each time, try using frozen ones to save time.

The flavor components released from shiitake mushrooms will instantly upgrade your dishes.

Please give it a try.

>> [What is the expiry date of frozen foods? ] What is the best way to use frozen side dishes that are delicious and waste-free?

>> Meat preservation methods, expiration dates, thawing methods, and rapid freezing methods!