Oyster mushrooms are a popular commodity in the plant-based community but often can be expensive, so when you find a deal, you want to stock up, but you can't just keep them in the fridge or freeze it without a little bit of preparation.
What are oyster mushrooms? Well, if you're plant-based or vegan, you're probably using oyster mushrooms as a meat substitute. Oyster mushrooms aren't your typical mushroom and are known as the chicken of the woods. When cooked, they have a meat-like texture and taste very similar to chicken. In most recipes, oyster mushrooms are fried, like fried chicken.
Benefits of Oyster Mushrooms
Overall, mushrooms are known to be a rich, low-calorie source of fiber, protein, vitamin D, selenium, magnesium, antioxidants, and so much more, all while also having health benefits such as:
Lowering blood pressure
Boosting the immune system
Aiding in weight loss (1)
On the other hand, Oyster mushrooms are known for all this and so much more. Aside from being a rich source of many essential vitamins and minerals but also having health benefits such as:
Benefiting heart health
Promoting blood sugar regulation
Supporting the immune system
Potential anti-tumor properties
Gut health benefits
Anti-inflammatory effects (2)
How to Freeze Oyster Mushrooms
Unfortunately, although oyster mushrooms are delicious, they can often be expensive. Local to me, oyster mushrooms are $7.99 for a 4 oz. container. So when I went shopping for cheaper stuff and more of a selection, I found oyster mushrooms for $4.99 for a 7 oz. container, of course, I stocked up. Next up was to learn how to properly freeze and store them, which I soon learned was similar to blanching, which I discussed here.
Materials & Ingredients:
raw, unprocessed oyster mushrooms
water
freezer bags
Step 1: Gather Materials & Ingredients
Gather your materials: freezer bags as well as your ingredients, preferably organic: raw, unprocessed oyster mushrooms and water.
Step 2: Fill A Pot
Start by getting a pot and filling it with water. The number of oyster mushrooms you're blanching will determine how big of a pot you'll use. Make sure the oyster mushrooms are entirely covered with water.
Step 3: Boil the Water
After you've filled your pot with water, let the water come to a boil before moving to step 4.
Step 4: Add the Mushrooms
After the water has come to a boil, add all the raw, unprocessed oyster mushrooms into the boiling pot of water and set a timer for 3 minutes; no more, no less.
Step 5: Drain & Rinse
After you've boiled the mushrooms for 3 minutes, drain the oyster mushrooms and thoroughly rinse them with cold water to stop the cooking process, or you'll be left with overcooked oyster mushrooms when you cook them later.
Step 6: Freeze
Lastly, after you've thoroughly rinsed your mushrooms to stop the cooking process, you'll take the now partially cooked oyster mushrooms and store them in freezer bags before placing them in the freezer.
What's the easiest way you've found to freeze oyster mushrooms?
