Introducing the method and recipe for freezing shimeji mushrooms [Explanation with photos]

Did you know that freezing shimeji mushrooms increases their flavor and makes them more delicious?

The source of umami overflows from the cells that are destroyed by freezing.

This time, we will explain how to freeze shimeji mushrooms, which can be stored for a long time and become even more delicious.

Advantages of freezing shimeji mushrooms

Longer storage time

There are two major benefits to freezing shimeji mushrooms. One is that it lasts a long time.

If you store it in the refrigerator, it will only last for about a week, but if you freeze it, it will last for about a month.

Increases the flavor of shimeji mushrooms

Another advantage is that it tastes good.

Shimeji mushrooms have the characteristic that their umami content increases when they are frozen.

When you have time or when they are on sale, you can buy them in bulk and enjoy the deliciousness later.

How to freeze shimeji mushrooms

Freezing shimeji mushrooms is very easy. Once you learn it, you can quickly freeze it when you get home from shopping.

The steps are as follows:

1. Do not wash the shimeji mushrooms with water, but wipe them with kitchen paper.

2. Cut off the stone and divide it into small pieces.

3. Put it in a freezer bag, remove the air well, and put it in the freezer.

Points to note when freezing shimeji mushrooms

There are three things to keep in mind when freezing shimeji mushrooms.

do not wash with water

Shimeji mushrooms are very sensitive to moisture. If you store it with moisture remaining, it will be damaged.

Don't wash it with water, just wipe it with kitchen paper or something similar.

remove air well

It is important to remove air well when placing in freezer bags. Too much air will cause shimeji mushrooms to oxidize. Remove as much air as possible.

freeze quickly

Freezing shimeji mushrooms quickly enhances their flavor and preserves their freshness. Use rapid freezer of your refrigerator, or place shimeji mushrooms on a metal tray and freeze them, then place them in a freezer bag once frozen.

Metal trays conduct heat easily, so shimeji mushrooms can be frozen quickly.

How to thaw shimeji mushrooms and storage period

How to defrost shimeji mushrooms

Use frozen shimeji mushrooms for cooking. Just take out the amount you need from the freezer bag and use it as is in the cooking process.

Shimeji mushroom storage period

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

Shimeji mushrooms retain their flavor when frozen, but if they are kept for more than a month, they will begin to spoil. Make sure to use it up within the period.

>> Click here for other methods of freezing mushrooms

A nutritionist explains! About the nutrition of shimeji mushrooms

Natural shimeji mushrooms are a rare item that is difficult to obtain.
The most commonly available mushrooms are bu-shimeji mushrooms grown in fungal beds.

Shimeji mushrooms contain vitamins such as vitamin C, vitamin D, vitamins B1, B2, and B6, and minerals such as potassium and iron. It is also rich in dietary fiber and amino acids.
ergosterol

Mushrooms contain ergosterol, a nutritional component that is not found in many other vegetables.
When exposed to ultraviolet light, it converts into vitamin D in the body.
This vitamin D helps absorb calcium, making bones strong and helping prevent osteoporosis.
Research has also shown that it can help prevent cancer.

Points to consider when choosing
1. The shaft is white and thick.
2. The cap is not too open and has firmness (the cap is close together and the whole plant is a single plant)

Shimeji mushrooms are nutritious and low in calories, making them a popular diet food.

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 shimeji mushrooms

I've put together a collection of easy recipes you can make using frozen shimeji mushrooms. Here are five.

Shimeji Namul

Source: http://cookpad.com/recipe/3447035

☑材料（4人分）
・冷凍しめじ１株分
・塩少々
・ナンプラー適量
・ごま油適量

<How to make>
1) Place frozen shimeji mushrooms in a heat-resistant container and heat in the microwave for about 4 minutes.
2) Add salt, fish sauce, and sesame oil and mix well.
3) Once it's completely mixed, it's ready.

This is a very easy side dish that you can make ahead of time.

Shimeji mushroom wrapped in bacon

Source: http://cookpad.com/recipe/3833632

☑材料（4人分）
・冷凍しめじ１株分
・ベーコン１パック
・塩
・こしょう

<How to make>
1) Wrap frozen shimeji mushrooms in half bacon.
2) Heat oil in a frying pan and stir fry.
3) Lightly season with salt and pepper.
4) Once browned, serve in a bowl and it's done.

Recommended for snacks and lunch boxes.

Stir-fried shimeji mushrooms

Source: http://cookpad.com/recipe/4106866

☑材料（４人分）
・冷凍しめじ１株分
・パプリカ１個
・好みのお野菜
・中華顆粒だし適量
・酒
・塩
・こしょう

<How to make>
1) Cut paprika and your favorite vegetables into easy-to-eat sizes.
2) Heat oil in a frying pan and fry frozen shimeji mushrooms and vegetables.
3) Add Chinese dashi granules and sake and stir-fry further.
4) Finally, adjust the taste with salt and pepper and it's done.

You can use it as a main dish by adding your favorite vegetables.

Grilled shimeji mushrooms in foil

Source: http://cookpad.com/recipe/3603374

☑材料（2人分）
・冷凍しめじ１株分
・じゃがいも２個
・バター適量
・しょうゆ
・塩

<How to make>
1) Place frozen shimeji mushrooms, potatoes, and butter on aluminum foil, wrap lightly, and heat in a toaster for about 10 minutes.
2) Once cooked, add soy sauce and season with salt and pepper.
3) It's done.

This is a dish where you can thoroughly enjoy the flavor of shimeji mushrooms.

Shimeji mushroom rice

Source: http://cookpad.com/recipe/4080239

☑材料（4人分）
・冷凍しめじ１株分
・ベーコン１パック
・顆粒だし適量
・しょうゆ
・酒

<How to make>
1) Put the washed rice in a rice cooker, add the frozen shimeji mushrooms and chopped bacon, and sprinkle with the dashi granules.
2) Add your favorite soy sauce or sake.
3) Add water and cook.
4) Once cooked, put it in a bowl and it's done.

Shimeji mushrooms are available all year round, so it's a convenient meal that you can make anytime.

Conclusion

How was it?

Freezing shimeji mushrooms is very easy, so you can do it quickly even when you're busy.

It's very convenient because you can take out a small amount and use it for cooking. You can also add volume to your dishes by adding shimeji mushrooms.

It is low in calories and rich in dietary fiber, making it an excellent food that is good for both health and beauty.

Please freeze it and use it.

>> 3 points to keep in mind when preserving vegetables