Lions mane mushrooms, known scientifcally as Hericium erinaceus, are not only a culinary delight but also packed with health benefits. Their unique flavour and texture make them a favourite amoung chefs and health enthusiasts alike. However, to enjoy the full benefits of these mushrooms, proper storage is crucial. In this guide, we'll explore the best ways to store and enjoy Lions mane mushrooms.
Preparation and storage of your
Lions mane mushrooms
How to store fresh
Lions mane
Lions mane will stay fresh for up to a week if stored correctly. Here's how: Gently brush off any dirt with a soft brush or cloth. Avoid washing them with water as moisture can lead to spoilage. Place mushrooms in a paper bag to allow them to breath and to absorb any moisture. store in the refrigerator.
Making an extract powder (a supplement)
While Lions mane is wonderful to cook with, it is most commonly used as a supplement. You can buy Lions mane powder, capsules and also tinctures. But have you ever thought about how pure they are? Here, you can learn to make your very own pure supplement! First, clean your Lions mane as above and cut in to small even pieces. Add these to a sauce pan of 10 times as much water as the mushrooms. Place on medium heat for around 2-3 hours. Blend water and mushrooms until smooth, then leave to cool. Pour mixture on to lined baking tray and placed in to the oven on its lowest setting or a dehydrator if you have one. Once completely dry, break up in to pieces and blend to a powder in a food processor. Enjoy in hot drinks or smoothies as your daily intake of nutrients.
Freezing
Lions mane can be stored for an extended period by freezing them. Heres how Before freezing, blanch the mushrooms in boiling water for 1-2 minutes. Then quickly transfer these to an ice bath to stop the cooking process. Pat dry with clean towel. place Lions mane spread out on a tray and freeze. Once frozen, place in a resealable freezer container. best used pithing 3 months.
Dehydrating Lions mane mushrooms
Once your mushrooms are clean, you can preserve them by dehydrating them. This can be done using a dehydrator or an oven at the lowest temperature or even a warming drawer set to medium. Slice Lions mane in to even sizes and place on a parchment lined baking tray evenly spaced. Leave to dry in the oven or dehydrator for at least 2-4 hours. When mushrooms can be easily snapped between fingers, their ready. Allow to cool and place in an airtight container. These can then be rehydrated in soups and stews or blended to a powder to add flavour and nutrients to any dish (even your tea and coffee).