Dried shiitake mushrooms are popular for their long shelf life, minimal moisture content, and ability to retain their aroma for a long time. During storage, as long as the dried shiitake mushrooms are not moldy or spoiled, they can still be eaten, although the quality may not be consistent. Therefore, you need to know the tips for choosing dried shiitake mushrooms to buy a good product that is fresh and not affected in terms of taste.
Tips for choosing dried shiitake mushrooms
In order to choose the right, delicious dried shiitake mushrooms, pay attention to the following characteristics:
Color of the mushroom surface
When buying dried shiitake mushrooms, the first thing you need to do is observe the color of the mushroom’s surface. High-quality dried shiitake mushrooms have a golden brown or light brown color. Dried mushrooms that are red, purple, or black may have been stored for a long time and deteriorated, so it is not recommended to use them.
Observing the color is a tip for choosing delicious dried shiitake mushrooms with guaranteed quality. (Image: Pinterest)
Color of the mushroom interior
When buying dried shiitake mushrooms, look at the color inside the mushroom. If it has a uniform yellow, brown, or white-yellow color, it is relatively fresh and can be chosen.
If the mushroom has uneven color and shows other colors such as black or white spots, it may have been stored for too long, become deteriorated, and may have a stale and unpleasant taste.
Smell the mushroom
Smelling the mushroom is a very reliable tip for choosing good dried shiitake mushrooms. If it has a strong aroma, it is a sign of high-quality dried shiitake mushrooms, and you can confidently buy them. If it has an unfamiliar odor or is no longer fragrant, it may have been roasted or dried at too high a temperature, affecting the taste.
Check the dryness of the mushroom
Another tip for choosing dried shiitake mushrooms is to gently squeeze them with your hand to check their dryness. If the mushroom breaks into pieces, it means it has been exposed for too long, making it brittle and overly dry, resulting in loss of taste and nutrients.
Look at the mushroom stalk
If the mushroom stalk is short, large, and thick, and does not break or flatten when squeezed, it indicates a good quality shiitake mushroom that has been harvested properly.
If the dried shiitake mushroom has a small stalk that can easily break or crack when squeezed, it indicates poor quality and the taste is no longer like before.
Observe the shape of the gills inside the mushroom cap
If the gills inside the mushroom cap are stuck together, cannot be opened, and do not look appealing, it may indicate that the mushroom is not fully mature, it has been harvested and dried, and its taste will be compromised. If all the gills are fully open, it indicates that the mushroom is too old, which also affects the quality.
A tip for choosing delicious dried shiitake mushrooms is to buy mushrooms with slightly opened gills.
How to store dried shiitake mushrooms
To keep dried shiitake mushrooms fresh and mold-free, put them in a plastic container and store them in dry places, avoiding places that are too hot or too humid.
Alternatively, you can put the dried mushrooms in a nylon bag, a glass bag, or a sealed bag, tie it tightly, and store it in the refrigerator. With this method, the mushrooms will be protected from mold and will retain their aroma for a long time.
According to VTC
