Dried shiitake mushrooms are a nutritious food that contains many essential minerals for the body. Not only that, the flavor of fresh shiitake mushrooms can also enhance the taste of many delicious dishes. Most people usually buy dried shiitake mushrooms for long-term use to prevent spoilage. However, the flavor of fresh shiitake mushrooms can make a significant difference in your dishes. So, do you know how to choose fresh and delicious shiitake mushrooms? Here are 3 simple tips for you:
3 tips to choose fresh and delicious shiitake mushrooms
Don’t just look at the size, pay attention to the mushroom cap
What is the difference between shiitake mushrooms and wood ear mushrooms? This is a common question that confuses many people. In fact, shiitake mushrooms and wood ear mushrooms are the same type of mushroom. The name “wood ear mushroom” is commonly used because of its distinctive aroma. However, depending on the region, soil conditions, or cultivation methods, shiitake mushrooms may have different colors, shapes, patterns on the cap, and different degrees of firmness.
On the market, you can find wood ear mushrooms that are usually thin and have caps that resemble a leaf. Most of them are in a dried state. However, when buying fresh shiitake mushrooms, you need to carefully observe the mushroom caps.
Choose mushrooms with plump caps rather than wrinkled ones with many black lines.
Fresh shiitake mushrooms have blooming caps. If you see wrinkled caps with dark spots, it means the mushrooms have been harvested for a long time and are showing signs of dehydration. The flavor of these mushrooms is not as excellent as before. Furthermore, freshly harvested shiitake mushrooms will have a very thin layer of silk-like covering on the mushroom cap. If you’re lucky, you may encounter it. Of course, these mushrooms have both good flavor and nutrition.
Smell to check the aroma of the mushrooms
The second tip is to easily smell the aroma of fresh shiitake mushrooms. Usually, when shiitake mushrooms are sold, they are vacuum-sealed to avoid too much exposure to air.
However, you may also come across fresh shiitake mushrooms that are not properly stored. If left for a long time, they may have a strong smell. If the mushrooms are fresh, you will smell their natural fragrance mingled with a light woody scent.
Fresh shiitake mushrooms have a distinctive aroma. If it smells unpleasant, it’s best not to buy them.
In addition, to prolong the shelf life, some mushrooms are treated with chemicals to enhance freshness and longevity. Such mushrooms are not delicious, so it’s best to avoid buying them. Furthermore, shiitake mushrooms have good water retention, so they tend to be moist. Fresh shiitake mushrooms will also feel heavier when held in hand. If the mushrooms have been sitting for a long time, they will feel lighter due to the loss of moisture. Cooking with such mushrooms will not result in the desired flavor.
Observe the color of the mushrooms
The color of shiitake mushrooms is also easy to recognize. Fresh shiitake mushrooms mainly have a very light brown color. They also have a thin white film on the surface. These mushrooms are both fresh and have a high nutritional value.
If you buy fresh shiitake mushrooms and see that the caps have turned dark brown, be cautious as they may have been sitting for a long time and may not be good for your health. Therefore, it is not recommended to purchase such mushrooms even if they are cheaper.
Choose fresh shiitake mushrooms that are not too light or too dark in color. Avoid mushrooms that have turned brown or black.
Properly prepare fresh shiitake mushrooms
Preparing dried shiitake mushrooms is easier; just soak them in warm water with wheat or cornstarch to allow the mushrooms to absorb water. However, with fresh shiitake mushrooms, you need to be more careful to avoid losing the nutrients that the mushrooms hold.
For fresh shiitake mushrooms, you don’t need to soak them in warm water. When you bring the mushrooms home, it’s essential to prepare them properly before cooking. Cut off the mushroom stems and gently tap the mushroom caps to remove impurities. Then, rinse the mushrooms with cold water and let them drain. Do not soak the mushrooms in water.
The white mushroom flesh should be exposed shortly before cooking to ensure a fresh and delicious flavor.
When cooking mushrooms, aside from adding them to the broth early to ensure crispiness, the mushrooms should be added when other ingredients are almost cooked.
Like other types of mushrooms, fresh shiitake mushrooms should be eaten on the same day they are prepared to avoid spoilage, which can affect your health.
With these tips, you can confidently choose fresh and delicious shiitake mushrooms to create various tasty dishes.
Source: PNVN
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