Tree fungi don't just have a dark side as merciless tree destroyers. Numerous species are edible and make gourmets' hearts beat faster. If you want to benefit from their culinary benefits, you can preserve the short-lived fruit bodies. This guide explains how you can skillfully preserve tree mushrooms.
How can I preserve tree mushrooms?
There are various methods available to preserve tree mushrooms, such as freezing, drying by machine or air, boiling down or placing them in an oily marinade. Before preservation, mushrooms should be cleaned and, if necessary, boiled.
Be careful with the quick meal from the tree
Before you devote yourself to preserving tree mushrooms, you should rule out any risk of poisoning. If you are not confident in identifying mushroom species, please contact a mushroom expert. The German Society for Mycology (DGfM) has recognized mushroom experts who can provide reliable information on the nutritional value of tree mushrooms.
Preserving tree mushrooms - How to preserve the fruiting bodies
Some edible tree mushrooms are harmful to he alth when raw. Mushroom species such as the dark honey mushroom (Armillaria solidipes) or the honey yellow honey mushroom (Armillaria mellea) should therefore be briefly boiled before preservation. Rinse other edible fruit bodies with water to remove dirt. The following options are available for preservation:
- Freeze for a shelf life of 3 to 12 months
- Dry by machine: Clean the mushrooms, cut them into slices and dry them in the dehydrator until they harden
- Air drying: lay out on a wire rack in an airy, shady, dry location
- Preserving: Briefly bring the mushrooms to the boil in s alted water, fill them into mason jars, simmer in a hot water bath for 60 minutes and cool upside down
Pickling is a flavorful way to preserve tree mushrooms. Pour 0.5 liters of white wine, 0.5 liters of wine vinegar into a pot and add 2 chopped garlic cloves and 1 tablespoon each of s alt and coriander. A pinch of nutmeg and pepper round off the spice. Let the mushrooms cook in this broth for 15 minutes. Then strain the mushrooms, put them in a jar with a screw cap and fill everything with olive or sunflower oil.
Tip
Tinder mushrooms (Fomes fomentarius) are far too good to carelessly dispose of after they have been removed from the tree. The mushroom of the year 1995 offers a variety of uses that the world-famous glacier man “Ötzi” appreciated 5,000 years ago. Among his belongings was a preserved tinder sponge, which he could use to either light fires or treat wounds.
