Picked Oyster Mushrooms Preservation in Water and Salt in Can or Jar

Pickled Oyster Mushrooms

A guide to making perfect pickled oyster mushrooms every time oyster mushrooms, also known as Pleurotus ostreatus, are a type of edible fungi that is native to many parts of the world. They are highly prized for their delicate flavor and tender texture, making them a popular ingredient in many dishes. However, oyster mushrooms can be quite perishable and have a relatively short shelf life, which can make them difficult to store for long periods of time. This is where preserving oyster mushrooms in water and salt comes in.

Key Takeaways:

• Oyster mushrooms can be preserved in water and salt to extend their shelf life.
• Cleaning, slicing, and determining the amount of salt are important steps in preparing oyster mushrooms for preservation.
• Preserving oyster mushrooms in water and salt involves mixing water, salt, and sliced mushrooms, and then storing the mixture in a can or jar.
• Oyster mushrooms can also be pickled in a vinegar brine and boiled in jars to make pickled oyster mushrooms.
• Proper storage is key to preserving oyster mushrooms, whether they are preserved in water and salt or as pickled mushrooms. This includes storing the jars in a cool, dry place away from light. 

Preserving oyster mushrooms in water and salt is a simple and effective method that can extend the shelf life of these delicate fungi and help you enjoy their delicious flavor for longer.

This method of preservation is also convenient and requires only a few basic ingredients and tools, making it easy to do at home.

This blog post provides a step-by-step guide on how to preserve oyster mushrooms in water and salt, as well as discusses the benefits of this preservation method. Whether you’re an experienced home cook or just starting out, this guide will give you the information you need to store oyster mushrooms and enjoy their delicious flavor for longer. So, let’s get started!

Preserving the Oyster Mushrooms in Water and Salt

1. Mixing the Water and Salt: In a large bowl, mix the water and salt until the salt has fully dissolved. The ratio of water to salt can vary, but a general rule of thumb is to use 2 tablespoons of salt for every 4 cups of water.
2. Adding the Sliced Oyster Mushrooms: Add the sliced oyster mushrooms to the saltwater mixture and stir to ensure that all of the mushrooms are coated in the mixture.
3. Pouring the Mixture into the Can or Jar: Carefully pour the saltwater and mushroom mixture into a clean can or jar. Make sure to leave about an inch of headspace at the top of the jar to allow for expansion.
4. Sealing the Can or Jar: Seal the can or jar with a lid, making sure that it is tightly closed.
5. Storing the Preserved Oyster Mushrooms: Store the preserved oyster mushrooms in a cool, dark place. They can be stored for several months or even years, as long as the jar is tightly sealed.

With these simple steps, you can preserve oyster mushrooms in water and salt and enjoy their delicious flavor for longer. Whether you’re a home cook or a professional chef, this preservation method is a great way to keep oyster mushrooms fresh and flavorful.

Overview of Pickled Oyster Mushrooms

Oyster mushrooms are a versatile and flavorful ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes. But, as with many other types of mushrooms, oyster mushrooms can be quite perishable and have a relatively short shelf life.

One way to extend the shelf life of oyster mushrooms and enjoy their delicious flavor for longer is by preserving them as pickles.

Preserving oyster mushrooms as pickles is a simple and effective method that requires only a few basic ingredients and tools. The pickling process transforms the delicate flavor of the mushrooms into a tangy and savory treat that can be used as a topping for sandwiches, as a snack, or as an ingredient in other dishes.

Benefits of Preserving Oyster Mushrooms as Pickles

1. Extended shelf life: Pickling is an effective way to extend the shelf life of oyster mushrooms and enjoy their delicious flavor for longer.
2. Convenient storage: Pickled oyster mushrooms can be stored in canning jars and kept in a cool, dry place away from light. This makes them a convenient ingredient to have on hand for when you need them.
3. Versatile flavor: The pickling process transforms the delicate flavor of oyster mushrooms into a tangy and savory treat that can be used in a variety of dishes.
4. Easy to make: The process of making oyster mushroom pickles is simple and straightforward, making it a great option for home cooks of all levels.

With these benefits in mind, let’s take a look at the steps to make oyster mushroom pickles.

Materials Needed:

• Oyster mushrooms
• White vinegar
• Water
• Salt
• Canning jars
• Spices of your choice (optional)
• Canning pot or normal pot
• Jar lifters (optional)

Preparing the Oyster Mushrooms:

• Removing stems: Before pickling the oyster mushrooms, remove any stems and slice the mushrooms into appropriate-sized slices for topping sandwiches.
• Slicing: After removing the stems, slice the mushrooms into the desired size and shape. This will ensure that the pickled mushrooms are the perfect size for topping sandwiches or snacking.

With these steps, you’re now ready to preserve your oyster mushrooms as pickles. In the next section, we’ll go over the process of preparing the brine and the canning jars.

Preparing the Brine:

1. Diluting the white vinegar with water: In a large pot, mix the white vinegar and water at a ratio of 1 part vinegar to 5 parts water. This will create the brine for the oyster mushrooms.
2. Adding salt: Next, add about ¼ cup (75g) of canning salt per gallon (3.78l) of brine. You can adjust the amount of salt to your liking, but keep in mind that the salt will help preserve the mushrooms and enhance their flavor.
3. Bringing the brine to a boil: Place the pot with the brine on the stove and bring it to a boil.
4. Adding the sliced mushrooms: Once the brine is boiling, add the sliced oyster mushrooms to the pot. Stir the mixture to make sure the mushrooms are fully immersed in the brine.
5. Boiling the mushrooms in the brine: Boil the mushrooms in the brine for 30 minutes. This will help to kill any bacteria and ensure that the mushrooms are fully preserved.

Following these steps, you’ve successfully prepared the brine for your oyster mushroom pickles. In the next section, we’ll go over the process of preparing the canning jars.

Preparing the Canning Jars:

1. Cleaning: Cleaning the canning jars is a crucial step in preserving oyster mushrooms as pickles. Submerge the jars in boiling water for a few minutes to sterilize them. Empty the jars and allow them to drip dry.
2. Adding spices: If desired, add spices of your choice to the bottom of each jar. Some popular options include whole black peppercorns, dill flowers, and whole mustard seeds. Limit the number of peppercorns to 10 for a pint jar and 20 for a quart jar.
3. Packing the mushrooms: After the jars are spiced, add the mushrooms from the hot brine. Pack the jars about ¾ full, leaving about ½ inch of air between the lid and the brine.
4. Adding brine: Pour the brine into the jars, filling them to the desired level.
5. Placing the lids: Place the lids on the jars and “loosely” tighten the lids. Make sure they are tight enough to stay on, but not too tight that they create excess pressure.
6. Boiling: Submerge the jars in boiling water so they have at least an inch of water over the lids. Boil the jars for 30 minutes.

However; with these steps, you have successfully prepared the canning jars for the oyster mushroom pickles. In the next section, we will cover the final steps of the pickling process.

Final Steps to pickled oyster mushrooms

1. Lifting the Jars Out of the Boiling Water: After boiling the jars for 30 minutes, use jar lifters or other tongs to lift the jars out of the boiling water and place them on a heat-resistant surface. Be sure to handle the jars carefully to avoid burning yourself.
2. Allowing the Jars to Cool: Allow the jars to cool completely before checking the lids for proper sealing. As the jars cool, you should hear a “pop” sound as the vacuum is created inside the jar, which is an indication of a proper seal.
3. Checking the Lids for Proper Sealing: To check if the jars are properly sealed, gently press down on the center of the lid. If it is concave and does not move, the jar is properly sealed. If the lid pops up and down, the jar is not sealed and should be refrigerated and consumed within a week.
4. Allowing the Mushrooms to Marinate: Allow the pickled oyster mushrooms to marinate for 2 weeks in a cool, dark place. During this time, the flavors of the brine and spices will deepen and the mushrooms will become even more flavorful.
5. Storing the Pickled Oyster Mushrooms: Store the pickled oyster mushrooms in a cool, dry place away from light. They can be stored for several months or even years, as long as the jars are properly sealed.
6. Keeping the Pickled Oyster Mushrooms in the Refrigerator (Optional): If you prefer, you can also keep the pickled oyster mushrooms in the refrigerator. They will keep for about a month, depending on the strength of the brine and the conditions in your refrigerator.

With these final steps, your pickled oyster mushrooms are ready to enjoy! Whether you use them as a topping for sandwiches or as a snack, these pickled mushrooms are sure to be a hit with everyone who tries them.

FAQs About Preserving Oyster Mushrooms

What’s the best way to preserve oyster mushrooms?

The best way to preserve oyster mushrooms is to store them in the vegetable compartment of the fridge or a cold store in a lidded yet slightly open plastic box so that they can breathe. They will last for two weeks in good condition.

How do you store oyster mushrooms for a long time?

Oyster mushrooms can last for 5-7 days if stored properly in the refrigerator. It’s best to store bulk mushrooms in a paper bag and to remove the plastic wrap from packaged mushrooms, opening the top and covering loosely with a paper towel.

Can oyster mushrooms be dried?

Yes, oyster mushrooms can be dried and used in many recipes. They have a soft, slightly earthy flavor that makes them a great addition to stir-fry dishes.

How long do dried oyster mushrooms last?

Dried oyster mushrooms can last for 1 to 2 years when stored in a sealed container in a cool and dry place away from direct sunlight.

How long do oyster mushrooms last in the freezer?

Oyster mushrooms can last for around one month in the freezer, whether they are raw or fried. Freezing is a great option for extending the shelf life of oyster mushrooms, as they only last a few days in the fridge.

Final Thoughts on Pickled Oyster Mushrooms

Preserving oyster mushrooms in water and salt is a simple and effective way to extend the shelf life of these delicious fungi and enjoy their delicate flavor for longer. By following the steps outlined in this blog post, you can easily preserve oyster mushrooms at home with just a few basic ingredients and tools.

The benefits of preserving oyster mushrooms in water and salt are numerous, including extended shelf life, flavor retention, and convenient storage. Whether you’re an experienced home cook or just starting out, this preservation method is a great way to ensure that you always have fresh, flavorful oyster mushrooms on hand.

We hope that this guide has been helpful in showing you how to preserve oyster mushrooms in water and salt. If you try this method, we encourage you to share your experience in the comments section below. And if you have any questions or suggestions, feel free to reach out!