Ten Methods for Preserving Edible Fungi and a Complete Guide to What You Need to Know About Introducing Them

Dormancy method: After harvesting mushrooms, place them indoors at above 25°C for 3 to 5 hours to stimulate vigorous respiration, then place them in a cold storage room at around 0°C and let them sit for about 2 hours; at around 20°C the preservation period is about 5 days.

Growth retardant method: Soak in a 0.1% aqueous solution of the plant growth retardant B9 for 10 minutes, remove and drain, then seal in bags; this can keep them fresh for more than 15 days.

Modified atmosphere bag method: Store fresh mushrooms in modified atmosphere bags containing 1% to 2% oxygen, 40% carbon dioxide and 58% to 59% nitrogen; at 20°C they can be kept fresh for about 8 days.

Calcium ion method: Dissolve calcium chloride in clean water to make a 0.05% to 0.10% aqueous solution, trim the bases of freshly picked mushrooms so they are even, stand them upright in the calcium ion solution and soak for 2 to 4 hours, then rinse with clean water and drain; they can be kept fresh for 5 to 8 days without spoiling.

Salt water method: Soak fresh mushrooms in 0.6% salt water for about 10 minutes, then drain and store in plastic bags; at 10 to 25°C, after 4 to 6 hours the fresh mushrooms turn bright white and can be kept fresh for 3 to 5 days.

Alkaline water method: Dissolve soda ash, caustic soda or baking soda in water, then soak the edible fungi in it for 3 to 5 hours, rinse with clean water, drain and store in bags.

Radiation treatment method: Irradiate oyster mushrooms with 60°C rays at a radiation dose of 5 to 10 rad, then store at 0°C; this can effectively keep the color, smell and texture of fresh mushrooms unchanged for 7 to 10 days.

Ascorbic acid method: After harvesting edible fungi, spray with a 0.1% ascorbic acid solution and place in a non-iron container; they can be kept fresh for 3 to 5 days, with freshness and color basically unchanged.

Sodium benzoate method: Sodium benzoate is a relatively ideal preservative; treat edible fungi with 0.1% sodium benzoate, then vacuum-pack them, and the preservation effect is very good.

Sodium metabisulfite method: Spray the white mushroom bodies with a 0.15% sodium metabisulfite aqueous solution; at 15 to 20°C they can be stored for 8 to 15 days.