Some tips for choosing dried shiitake mushrooms
Dried shiitake mushrooms are very popular because they can be preserved for a long time, even up to a year, are less moldy, and retain their aroma for a long time. During the preservation period, as long as the dried shiitake mushrooms are not moldy or spoiled, they can still be eaten, however, the quality will not be consistent depending on the batch of shiitake mushrooms you buy. Therefore, you need to know the tips for choosing dried shiitake mushrooms to be able to buy good and new products that have not been affected in flavor. To be able to choose standard, delicious dried shiitake mushrooms, you should pay attention to the following characteristics:
+ Mushroom surface color
When buying dried shiitake mushrooms, the first thing you need to do is observe the color of the mushroom surface. High-quality dried shiitake mushrooms are yellow-brown or light brown. Meanwhile, dried mushrooms that are red-purple or black may have been left for a long time and have deteriorated, become slug-like, and should absolutely not be used.
+ Color of the inside of the mushroom
When buying dried shiitake mushrooms, you need to pay attention to the color inside the mushroom. If it has a uniform yellow, brown or white-yellow color, it is the type to choose because it is still relatively fresh.
On the contrary, if the mushroom has an uneven color but is mixed with some other colors or has black or white spots, it is very likely that the mushroom has been stored for too long, so it has changed and become moldy, and the taste is no longer fresh.
+ Smell the mushroom
Smelling with your nose is a very standard tip for choosing dried shiitake mushrooms. If the mushroom has a strong aroma, it is a high-quality dried shiitake mushroom, you can rest assured to buy it. On the contrary, if it has a strange smell or is no longer fragrant, it is very likely that this mushroom has been roasted or dried at too high a temperature, which will affect the flavor.
+ Check the dryness of the mushroom
Another tip for choosing dried shiitake mushrooms is to squeeze it lightly with your hand to check. If the mushroom breaks into pieces, it means that it has been dried for too long, making it brittle and too dry, losing its flavor and nutrients.
+ Look at the mushroom stem
If the mushroom stem is short, large, thick, and does not break or bruise when squeezed by hand, it is a good quality shiitake mushroom, harvested at the right time.
On the contrary, if the dried shiitake mushroom stem is small and can be broken or crushed when squeezed by hand, it proves that the mushroom is of poor quality and the flavor will not be the same as before.
+ Look at the shape of the inner wall of the mushroom cell
If the walls inside the mushroom cap are stuck together, do not open and do not look nice, it may be that the mushroom is not mature enough and has been harvested and dried. The flavor of these mushrooms will be poor. If the walls are completely open, it proves that the mushroom is too old, which also affects the deliciousness. The tip for choosing delicious, standard dried shiitake mushrooms is to buy mushrooms with slightly open mushroom walls.
How to preserve dried shiitake mushrooms to ensure quality:
To keep dried shiitake mushrooms fragrant for a long time and prevent mold, put them in a plastic box and store them in a dry place, avoiding places with too much heat or humidity.
Or you can also put the shiitake mushrooms in a nylon bag, cellophane bag or zip bag, tie it tightly and put it in the refrigerator. This way, the shiitake mushrooms will avoid mold and retain their fragrance for a long time.