Dried Oyster Mushrooms

Description

Oyster mushrooms, similar to the Chanterelle but with a more delicate flavor and coloring, have a mild mushroomy, licorice or anise aroma, a wonderful fleshy texture, and are a staple ingredient in many Asian dishes. One of the most popular "exotics" offered in restaurants, it's somewhat peppery, elusive flavor and exceptional meltingly soft, chewy texture makes them very versatile in any dish.

Cooking Ideas

Oyster mushrooms can be used in stir-fried dishes, since the cap is thin and cooks quickly. Stir-fry garlic, ginger, beef strips, and oyster mushrooms and finish with a dash of soy sauce. Stir them through Asian soups at the end of cooking, until just tender.

Health Benefits

• Oyster mushrooms have significant antibacterial activity, an active compound benzaldehyde reduces bacterial levels. It may form on the mushroom as a reaction to stress.
• Oyster mushrooms have significant antioxidant, properties that protect cells in the body. 
• Oyster mushrooms contain significant levels of zinc, iron, potassium, calcium, phosphorus, vitamin C, folic acid, niacin, and vitamins B*1 and B*2. 

Directions on how to Rehydrate

To rehydrate or reconstitute dried mushrooms, place desired amount into a bowl covered with warm water and let dried mushrooms soak for *0 minutes. After the *0 minutes have gone by, gently lift the mushrooms out of the water using a strainer. The mushrooms should be clean, plumped and ready to use.

How to Store

It is very important that dried mushrooms are stored properly to insure long term and maximum freshness. Place the mushrooms into either a plastic or glass container with a tight fitting lid. Our first recommendation, though, is freezing or storing in a refrigerator or freezer. Place the dried mushrooms in a clean, tight sealing freezer bag. The reason for maximum cold storage is because heat and moisture are the greatest enemies. The mushrooms should keep well for six months to a year.