Questions You Should Know about frozen shimeji

Blast Freezer and Mushrooms | Flash Freeze

Shimeji Mushroom, Truffle and Shiitake

Shimeji Mushroom, Truffle and Shiitake are critical members of the mushroom group. If these ingredients can be preserved for a long period while maintaining freshness, then the conservation cost and waste amount can be reduced and improvements can be made.Therefore, we have test-frozen different mushrooms at the Mita Exhibition Hall. I will introduce the results of the test freeze, what to consider, and interesting facts about each mushroom.

Shimeji Mushroom

Interesting Fact

“The fragrance of matsutake and taste of shimeji” is a popular saying that shows the highly praised flavor of shimeji mushrooms. The specific shimeji mushroom that is being referred to in the saying is called Hon Shimeji. This type of shimeji is difficult to circulate and is rarely seen in the market.

Of course, normal shimeji mushrooms are delicious and taste phenomenal in soups. It is also a popular ingredient for vegetable stew. The seasonal period shimeji mushrooms are available is between October and November. This two-month period is when the most delicious and affordable shimeji mushrooms are available. It is said that the more a shimeji mushroom looks like a plump-looking umbrella, the more delicious it tastes. The shimeji mushrooms often sold at convenience stores are seen year-round. However, with the normal method of preservation, the ingredient is damaged, and freezing it will drop the flavor quality.

During this experiment, we tested the two hypothetical questions written below.

1:Will the taste deteriorate if preserved with a Flash Freezer?
2:Will the market value stay the same if the content is preserved for display purposes?

Shimeji Nutrient Table

First, we would like to look at the nutrient information. This is the information on the ingredient with a serving size of approximately 4 oz (100g).

The water moisture is quite high at 90.8%

Shimeji Mushroom Test Freeze Results

This time, we test froze and compared the air-based freezer and liquid-based freezer. While the taste/flavor remained the same for both freezers, the shape and structure of the content changed. Therefore, it would be difficult to sell frozen shimeji mushrooms.

However, there was relatively no difference in flavor, and it can still be used as an ingredient for cooking a meal. When comparing the appearances of both shimeji mushrooms, the air-based frozen content seemed to have maintained the original shape better. Therefore, the air-based freezer is recommended when it comes to freezing shimeji mushrooms. The results of this test freeze can be concluded as follows:

The texture of frozen shimeji mushrooms may change, but the taste stays the same. Therefore, it is difficult to preserve for displaying purposes, but can be used for cooking. If restaurants utilized flash freezers then the mushrooms can be preserved for cooking, reducing the total wastes and losses.

Shiitake

Interesting Fact

Shiitake is rich in glutting acid and ungulates which are well known for flavor components. Often used as a base for soup, this mushroom is commonly used by the Japanese people. The texture and fragrance are very unique, and individuals often love or hate this special mushroom.

There are two types of Shiitake「Raw」and「Dried」

• Raw Shiitake

  This type can be battered, used as soup base, steamed, placed in sushi and stewed. Because freshness is easily lost, it is essential to preserve carefully. When purchasing from the grocery store, please check for these 2 things.
  

  • The inner portion of the “umbrella” has not turned brown
  • The content has not perspired excessively.
  Additionally, when unpacking the content, it is dangerous if contents have a high concentration of odor. If the ingredient emits such characteristics, it is recommended not to consume the content.

• Dried Shiitake

  Dried shiitake refers to shiitake mushroom that has been clinically dehydrated. When dried, the flavor content and fragrance of shiitake mushrooms increase.
  However, please remember to soak in water before consumption. Normally, the content will soak back up in an hour or two, depending on how it is cut. By soaking in the water for over 24 hours, a very delicious shiitake mushroom can be prepped. The prepped shiitake can be simmered or used as soup base. When the content is being precooked, the returned liquid soup that comes out can also be used. By putting out in the sun, the amount of Vitamin D2 increases.

Can this shiitake be preserved for display and cooking purposes? Again, we will share the comparison results between the liquid-based and air-based methods.

First we will share the Nutrient table.

Shiitake Nutrient Table 3〜4 oz (100g)

Other than the moisture, mushrooms also have high amounts of dietary fiber. The dietary fiber contains many water-soluble components. This water-soluble dietary fiber can protect the human body from diabetes, high blood pressure, arteriosclerosis, and maintain the condition of intestines.

Shiitake Test Freeze

Here, we will be introducing the shiitake test freeze. The liquid-based freezer and air-based freezer were used in this experiment. Because the Shiitake has high moisture at 91%, it was one of the more concerned ingredients to be frozen. The result of the defrosted product showed no change in taste and appearance as the pre-frozen state. The contents that were flash frozen with the air-based freezer had the best results. From this experiment, we were able to conclude that by flash freezing shiitake mushrooms, the fresh appearance of the supply can be preserved. Therefore, the frozen shiitake can be used for cooking without any issue. It can also be used as a display in the grocery stores and farmer’s market.

Mushroom (Brown/White)

Interesting Fact

There are two types of mushrooms, known as brown and white. The difference in color can be set by the type of fungus. The brown has a strong fragrance and compared to the white, has a thicker flavor, while the white has a creamy, classier taste. Mushrooms increase the flavor component when cells are broken and are the perfect food, fit for freezing. Therefore, out of the mushrooms, it is the only type that can be eaten/consumed raw. However, the quality may grow worse while being frozen, so it is essential to check before eating. A fresh mushroom has an unopened “umbrella”, and is firm when touched. Here, we will be introducing the Nutrient Table.

Mushroom Nutrient Table

Edible portions 3〜4 oz (100g)

Mushrooms have low calories, but are high in mineral concentration, making it a great dieting food. Additionally, mushrooms are rich in guanylic flavor components and fit for cooking recipes.

Result of Mushroom Test Freeze

We will introduce the results of air-based freezer and liquid-based freezer here. Mushrooms have a lot of water within and are more likely to have cells broken and drip outflow. When actually defrosting the mushrooms, there were drip outflows and structural collapse of the food content collapsed. However, the flavor components of mushrooms increase when cells are broken.

Therefore, when comparing the taste of pre-frozen and post-frozen mushrooms, the defrosted flavor was more delicious. The air-based freezer preserved the original conditions best. Due to the drip outflow, it is difficult to sell as merchandise in the grocery stores, but using them to cook should be no problem. The mushroom is truly an ingredient fitting for freezing. For those wanting to preserve mushrooms for cooking, the air-based freezer is highly recommended.

Truffle

Interesting Fact

Along with the Caviar and Foie gras, is the truffle, one of the highest class of food. The official name of truffle is Seiyo Shouro. There are two types of truffles ranging between white truffle and black truffle. The white truffle can only be obtained in Europe, and due to the limited availability, is sold at a high price. Both black and white truffles are very expensive. Truffles are also valuable because they cannot be grown economically. Truffles also have no nutrient table and often spend their whole life under 6〜8 inches underground, making this another reason for their high value. Truffles were used as medicine in the 19th century. From long ago, when a man were to coax a woman, it has been said that making her eat truffle was effective.

Truffles also cannot be harvested for a 3-month period worldwide. It can be harvested in the Southern hemisphere between June and October, and from October to February in the Northern Hemisphere. However, from March to May, none can be harvested anywhere globally. The average preservation period with normal freezing and refrigeration method only lasts around 2 weeks.

Here, we will introduce the nutrient table of truffle.

For more information, please visit frozen straw mushroom.

Truffle Nutrient Table 3〜4 oz (100g)

This is the nutrient information on truffle.

Result of Truffle Test Freeze

The truffle was also tested with both liquid-based and air-based flash freezers. In conclusion, the air-based freezer had the better result, but both freezers failed to acquire adept results. The color content frozen with the air-based freezer completely changed. Compared to that, the air-based freezer reduced the color changes and drip outflows, but were still worse than the pre-frozen state. While the outer appearances changed radically, the flavor and aroma remained the same. Therefore, restaurants that handle non-raw truffles may be able to use the ingredient.

Summary

In this page, we introduced the experiment results of Shimeji mushroom, shiitake, mushroom, and truffles. From the results of the experiment, the air-based freezer is most recommended for the 4 types. There are many types of air-based freezers, but this website recommends the Artlock freezer. The article below explains information on each freezer.

Artlock Freezer Main Features:

• Next Gen Freezing Technology
• 360 Degree Freezing: Freeze the content’s surface from all sides at the same time.
• Frozen contents will maintain original texture and flavor.
• No ice buildup in the vents for easy cleaning. Guaranteed.
• Freezer models customizable to fit your company needs.
• Freeze contents of temperatures up to 90 C without the need to cool them beforehand (an Artlock freezer feature exclusive).

How to freeze mushrooms

Basic method for freezing mushrooms

Steam-blanching

1. Scrub and brush mushrooms to remove dirt, then slice or leave whole (best for smaller mushrooms).
2. Prepare a bowl of iced water and a tray lined with kitchen paper. Put the mushrooms in a steam basket. Add a teaspoon of lemon juice to the water to prevent too much discoloration. Bring the water and lemon juice to the boil and steam the mushrooms for about 2-4 minutes (depending on whether you sliced the mushrooms and if you kept them whole, the size of the mushrooms). Immediately plunge the mushrooms into a bowl of iced water and leave for the same time the mushrooms were blanched, then drain and arrange on the kitchen paper-lined tray.
3. Once drained and patted dry, lay the mushrooms on a tray and freeze until frozen solid. Then transfer into a labeled resealable freezer bag, ensuring you remove any excess air before sealing. Best used within 3 months.

Sauteeing

1. Scrub mushrooms to remove dirt, then slice or leave whole (best for smaller mushrooms).
2. In a large frying pan, heat a small knob of butter on medium heat. Add the mushrooms and cook, stirring often, for 2-4 minutes (depending on whether you sliced the mushrooms and if you kept them whole, the size of the mushrooms). Allow the mushrooms to cool.
3. Once cooled, lay the mushrooms on a tray and freeze until solid. Transfer to a labeled resealable freezer bag, ensuring you remove any excess air before sealing. Best used within 3 months.

Cooking from frozen

Frozen mushrooms are best cooked straight from frozen. They can be added to dishes like stews, casseroles, pasta bakes, and stir-fries. Also, check out our guide on how to microwave mushrooms.

Mushroom recipe inspiration

A bowl of creamy mushroom pasta is pure comfort food. Use cream, garlic, and parmesan to make a rich sauce with earthy button mushrooms. Top with grated cheese and let everyone dig in.

Chicken and mushroom is a classic, much-loved pie filling for a reason. Our individual chicken pies are great for using up roast leftovers. You can make these up to two days ahead if you want a future dinner in a flash.

Make a hearty, nutritious brunch that provides 3 of your 5-a-day. It takes just a handful of ingredients and 10 minutes to prep – great for a weekend indulgence.

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