Mushroom tea-brewing releases powerful compounds that promote immune health, reduce inflammation, lower blood pressure and subtly energize the body – qualities which have made mushroom tea far beyond “trendy.” Today it can even be considered medicinal and healing.

Chef Rhonda suggests steaming mushrooms before freezing them individually so as to maintain their texture and flavor, making it easier to scoop out just what amount you need for recipes.

How to freeze mushrooms

Mushrooms are low-cal and packed with essential vitamins like potassium, selenium and vitamin D. Their versatility extends from soups and baked goods to vegetarian options and even making great meat substitutes when searching for vegetarian-friendly dishes. Since mushrooms don’t last very long in the fridge, freezing is an effective way to preserve them for later use – either raw or cooked; cooking first improves both texture and flavor!

For optimal mushroom freezing, choose those that look fresh and smell clean. Avoid those with dark spots as these may discolor over time when frozen, losing flavor altogether. To prep mushrooms for freezing, scrub, trim off stems, rinse, pat dry and cut into uniform pieces as desired if desired; alternatively whole frozen mushrooms can also be frozen for convenience’s sake, but this will result in chewier mushroom bites when defrosted.

If you plan to freeze raw fruits and vegetables, blanching is often recommended before freezing. This step helps remove any extra water, helping preserve their shape and texture better when defrosted. Blanche them either whole or cut into equal-sized chunks to ensure even cooking rate across the board.

To blanch mushrooms, bring a pot of water to a boil with 1 teaspoon of lemon juice added for discoloring prevention. After the mushrooms have finished boiling, immediately plunge them into cold water in another bowl – typically this process only needs 1-2 minutes; oyster and portobello mushrooms might require longer.

After drying the mushrooms thoroughly, place them in an oven or dehydrator set at 50degC (122degF) for six to twelve hours until fully dried – make sure you check on them every hour or so so as any that aren’t quite right can be removed as they progress.

Storage

Mushrooms are known to absorb moisture quickly, turning from fresh and crunchy in one day in the fridge into soggy morsels within hours of being placed inside. To protect themselves from this fate, place mushrooms on a shelf rather than in the crisper drawer where other items could dampen and spoil their freshness faster. A paper bag lined with paper towel may absorb any extra moisture, keeping your mushrooms dry and fresh longer. Also avoid placing mushrooms near food with strong aromas that might cause them to smell quickly before spoilage occurs.

Mushroom tea can be made using either fresh or dried mushrooms; for maximum potency it is best to use freshly harvested varieties due to their dehydration process and decreasing psilocybin content over time. The taste can differ depending on which kind of mushroom was used – typically it has an earthy flavour with subtle grounding qualities while some varieties, like cordyceps, may even subtly stimulate and stimulate its drinker.

Ideal mushrooms should be fresh and fragrant with no brown spots or bruises, and mycelium-covered mushrooms should be considered safe to eat.

Make the most out of your harvest by setting aside some mushrooms for immediate consumption and saving the rest for freezing later. This will prevent them from spoiling in your refrigerator while also helping you organize your pantry!

Freezing mushrooms does not interfere with their nutritional profile, although water-soluble vitamins (like riboflavin and niacin) may decrease (1). For maximum nutrition, make sure that you steam blanch them prior to freezing; this quick cooking method destroys enzymes which speed spoilage of mushrooms (5).

To freeze mushrooms, simply remove them from their packaging and lay them out on a paper towel-lined plastic bag. Press down on the paper towel to absorb any extra moisture before wrapping with Press-n-seal plastic wrap with numerous holes pierced through for ventilation purposes and making sure there is air inside of it to help them remain frozen for up to one year.

Shelf life

Mushrooms make a healthy and delicious addition to many dishes, yet can quickly spoil if not stored correctly. Refrigeration can extend their shelf life by several days; however, this depends on their moisture absorption; the more moisture a mushroom absorbs the faster its shelf life diminishes – therefore drying mushrooms thoroughly prior to storing is vitally important!

Fresh mushrooms typically last about one week in the fridge, although their shelf life could be cut shorter depending on how long they’ve been sitting around at your grocery store or pantry. If they become soft or have dark spots or emit an offensive aroma it may be time to throw them out; to extend their longevity consider placing them in an airtight paper or plastic bag during storage.

Frozen mushrooms can keep their flavor and texture fresh for up to one year after harvest, but you should remember that frozen varieties won’t match those harvested fresh; in addition, their nutritional profile will likely be smaller.

To protect the quality of your mushrooms, place them in an airtight container equipped with oxygen absorbers to prevent oxidation and moisture degradation. Long-term storage solutions like vacuum sealers can also be utilized.

No matter your interest in functional fungi, mushroom tea has quickly become an alternative choice for coffee drinkers looking for an energy boost, mental clarity improvement, reduced inflammation, stress regulation, and immune support. Although some claims remain controversial, registered dietitians have taken to recommending mushroom tea to their clients as part of a healthy lifestyle regimen.

To make mushroom tea, combine ground mushrooms and boiling water. Let the mixture steep for 15 minutes if you prefer a weaker flavor; to intensify it further simmer for longer. You may also choose to add spices like cinnamon, stevia, hibiscus flowers, ginger, chamomile or peppermint for additional flavors and aromas.

Fermentation

No matter if they’re fresh or frozen, mushrooms offer a wealth of nutrients for body and mind. From improving energy levels and hormone balance, to inflammation reduction and protecting against free radical damage and cognitive enhancement. It’s crucial that you find a mushroom tea method which suits both your personal preferences and needs.

Many people enjoy making mushroom tea at home as it provides an enjoyable and effective way to reap the benefits of these potent mushrooms. You can customize each blend based on desired effects and time of day; for instance, Reishi and Ashwagandha tea blends can help calm you before sleep or settle nerves before an important meeting at work, while Cordyceps and Lion’s Mane tea can subtly energize for the day ahead.

Refrigeration is the optimal way to keep mushrooms fresh, but refrigeration may cause their flavors and textures to change over time. To protect their flavor and texture, try steaming before freezing – this method preserves more of their flavors than simply freezing.

Mushrooms may be stored frozen for up to one year without losing their flavor and texture, although after four months their taste and texture may begin to degrade. Freezing mushrooms also affects their nutritional content as water-soluble vitamins such as riboflavin and niacin may become depleted during freezing.

Frozen mushrooms offer the ideal solution for people who enjoy mushroom tea on a regular basis, including soups, stews, cocktails, coffee beverages and tea – as well as being mixed into other beverages to create delectable drinks! Although mushroom tea is trendy and healthy in itself, its consumption should always be done under medical advice as misusing this superfood may prove harmful in certain situations. It’s wise to consult a healthcare practitioner prior to beginning any new health supplements that contain mushrooms so as to maximize your experience of this superfood!