Chicken of the Woods mushrooms, also known as Laetiporus or Sulphur Shelf mushrooms, are a delicious edible species that can be found growing on trees during the summer and fall. However, like all mushrooms, they have a short shelf life after being harvested and will quickly deteriorate if not stored properly. Proper storage techniques are essential for preserving the quality, texture, and flavor of your harvest.
Quick Tips for Storing Chicken of the Woods
Here are some quick tips for getting the most out of your Chicken of the Woods harvest:
- Refrigerate as soon as possible after harvesting, ideally within a few hours
- Do not wash the mushrooms until ready to use
- Wrap loosely in paper towels or place in paper bags
- Store in the coldest part of the refrigerator, 35-40°F
- Consume within 3-5 days for best quality
Harvesting Chicken of the Woods
Proper harvesting and handling begins right when you collect your mushrooms in the wild. Here are some tips for the initial harvest:
- Use a sharp knife to cut mushrooms off near the base
- Leave some of the stem attached to prevent tearing
- Use scissors to trim off excess dirt, leaves, etc
- Handle gently to avoid bruising
- Use baskets, paper bags, or boxes for transport
- Keep cool and refrigerate as soon as possible
Avoid using plastic bags during harvest, as this can lead to spoilage. The mushrooms will continue respiring after they are picked, producing moisture that gets trapped in plastic. Paper bags allow for more airflow.
Cleaning Chicken of the Woods Mushrooms
When you’re ready to use your Chicken of the Woods, they should be cleaned just before cooking or eating. To clean:
- Carefully trim off any dirty or damaged pieces with a sharp knife
- Use a soft brush or paper towel to gently wipe away debris
- You can also rinse briefly under cool running water
- Pat dry thoroughly with paper towels
- Avoid soaking mushrooms in water as they can absorb water and become soggy
Storing Chicken of the Woods in the Refrigerator
Once harvested and cleaned, Chicken of the Woods should be promptly refrigerated for storage. Here are some tips for maximizing fridge storage life:
- Keep refrigerated temperature at 35-40°F
- Do not wash mushrooms until ready to eat
- Place mushrooms in a paper bag or wrap loosely in paper towels
- Store in coldest part of refrigerator, away from ethylene-producing fruits
- Avoid storing in sealed plastic bags or containers
- Consume within 3-5 days for best quality and flavor
The paper bag or towel allows for air circulation while maintaining humidity. Make sure mushrooms are not packed too tightly together, which promotes faster deterioration.
What Causes Chicken of the Woods to Deteriorate?
Over time in storage, even at refrigerator temperatures, Chicken of the Woods mushrooms will start to degrade in quality and appearance. Some common issues are:
- Drying out – mushrooms lose moisture content and become shriveled
- Oxidation – browning of colors due to enzyme reactions
- Spore release – especially around gills or pores
- Souring flavors
- Growth of molds
Storing mushrooms at the proper humidity and temperature helps slow down these processes. But mushrooms have a relatively short shelf life compared to most other produce.
How to Tell if Chicken of the Woods Has Gone Bad
Here are some signs that your refrigerated Chicken of the Woods has deteriorated and should be discarded:
- Appearance is significantly dried out and shriveled
- Extensive dark brown/black discoloration
- Visible mold growth, sliminess
- Strong sour, unpleasant smell
- Very soft, mushy texture
Minor bruising and some moisture loss is normal. But if the mushroom looks very dried out or feels slimy/moldy, it has passed its prime. Safety is also a concern with mold growth.
Storing Chicken of the Woods Long-Term
For long-term storage beyond refrigerator timeframes, Chicken of the Woods mushrooms must be frozen or dehydrated.
Freezing Chicken of the Woods
Freezing is an excellent way to preserve Chicken of the Woods for 4-6 months while maintaining texture and flavor. Here are some freezing guidelines:
- Clean mushrooms thoroughly before freezing
- Slice mushrooms to desired size, generally 1/2 inch slices or strips
- Use a dehydrator or fan to dry surface moisture prior to freezing
- Arrange in single layer on sheet pan and freeze initially
- Transfer to zip-top freezer bags once frozen
- Squeeze out excess air and seal bags
- Return to freezer immediately, freeze at 0°F
Freezing in a single layer prevents mushrooms from freezing together in a block. Pre-freezing on a sheet pan also prevents freezer burn. Frozen Chicken of the Woods is best used for cooked dishes, as the texture will degrade with thawing.
Drying Chicken of the Woods
Dehydrating Chicken of the Woods is a very effective preservation method when done properly. Benefits include:
- Stores for 6-12 months shelf-stable
- Intensifies umami flavor
- Makes mushrooms more versatile for snacks or pantry use
Here is a step-by-step guide for dehydrating Chicken of the Woods mushrooms:
- Clean mushrooms and slice to consistent 1/4 inch thickness
- Use paper towels to pat surface moisture
- Arrange in single layer on dehydrator trays without overlapping
- Dehydrate at 130-140°F for 6-10 hours until completely dry
- Check mushrooms periodically, rotate trays if needed
- Mushrooms are done when cracker-dry with no moisture inside
- Store in airtight containers or zip-top bags
- Keep in a cool, dry place out of sunlight
Dried Chicken of the Woods reconstitutes well for usage in soups, gravies, broths and other dishes. For maximum preservation, store dehydrated mushrooms in the freezer or refrigerator.
Preserving Chicken of the Woods by Canning or Pickling
Chicken of the Woods mushrooms can also be preserved using canning or pickling. However, these methods require precise procedures to be done safely.
Canning Chicken of the Woods
Chicken of the Woods is low in acidity, so pressure canning is required to safely can it. Steps include:
- Clean/prep fresh mushrooms and tightly pack jars
- Cover with boiling water, broth or other liquid
- Apply proper headspace recommended for pressure canning
- Process jars in a pressure canner at required time + PSI for your altitude
- Allow to cool undisturbed before storing
- Use within 1 year for best quality
- Discard if any sign of spoilage
Only use evidence-based, tested mushroom canning recipes from reputable sources. Improper processing can result in dangerous botulism poisoning.
Pickling Chicken of the Woods
Pickling is a safer option for preserving Chicken of the Woods at home. Steps include:
- Clean mushrooms and slice or quarter
- Pack into sterilized jars
- Fill jars with boiling vinegar-based pickling liquid
- Leave 1/2 inch headspace
- Apply lids and rings
- Process in a water bath canner for 30 minutes
- Cool undisturbed for 12-24 hours
- Store sealed jars in refrigerator for up to 6 months
The vinegar pH and water bath processing prevents botulism. Enjoy pickled Chicken of the Woods on salads, sandwiches and antipasto platters.
Storing Chicken of the Woods to Retain Maximum Nutrition
Chicken of the Woods is highly regarded for its stellar nutritional profile. It is low carb, yet packed with important nutrients including:
- B vitamins
- Vitamin D
- Potassium
- Fiber
- Antioxidants
- Anti-inflammatory compounds
To retain maximum nutrition when storing Chicken of the Woods:
- Refrigerate mushrooms as soon as possible after harvesting
- Consume fresh within 3-5 days
- Blanch mushrooms before freezing to deactivate enzymes
- Avoid soaking mushrooms, which leaches nutrients
- Minimize light and air exposure during storage
With proper harvesting and storage methods, Chicken of the Woods mushrooms will retain their impressive nutritional content so you can benefit from their health-boosting properties.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if Chicken of the Woods mushrooms are still good to eat?
Check for visible mold, sliminess, foul odor, extreme softness, or very shriveled appearance. Minor bruising is normal. If in doubt, discard. Fresh mushrooms last 3-5 days refrigerated.
Can I freeze raw Chicken of the Woods mushrooms?
Yes, slice raw mushrooms, dry thoroughly, freeze in a single layer before bagging. They will be best used cooked, not raw, straight from frozen state.
What’s the best way to rehydrate dried Chicken of the Woods mushrooms?
Cover with boiling water and soak for 15-30 minutes until tenderized. Use the rehydrating liquid in your dish for added flavor.
How long does pickled Chicken of the Woods last?
Properly prepared pickled Chicken of the Woods stored in the refrigerator will last for 6 months. Discard if any mold appears or if the pickle smells bad.
Can you use a regular canner for canning Chicken of the Woods?
No, a pressure canner is required. Chicken of the Woods is low acid and prone to botulism without proper pressure canning.
Should you rinse Chicken of the Woods mushrooms?
Avoid rinsing until ready to cook, as excess moisture decreases shelf life. Gently wipe away dirt instead. Rinse briefly before eating if needed.
How do you keep Chicken of the Woods from drying out in the fridge?
Wrap loosely in paper towels instead of plastic. Avoid washing before storage. Maintain ideal humidity in the refrigerator. Use within 3-5 days.
Conclusion
Chicken of the Woods is a delicious mushroom that requires some special care when it comes to storage. By refrigerating promptly after harvest and using moisture-wicking paper wrapping, the fresh mushrooms can maintain quality for 3-5 days. For long-term storage, freezing or dehydrating Chicken of the Woods is recommended. With the proper harvesting, cleaning, and storage techniques, you can enjoy this nutritious and tasty mushroom year round.