The answer depends a lot on what you bought. For example, when Shiitake Mushrooms are harvested, the fruiting bodies (aka 'mushrooms') are individually snipped straight off the log. All you have to do is cook 'em! However, some other mushroom types (e.g. Oyster Mushroom varieties) may have come as part of a cluster. This is great for prolonging their storage life, but if you're new to gourmet mushrooms, a large cluster could be a bit intimidating: "Do I need a knife? Or even... an axe?" The good news is, most Oyster Mushroom varieties can simply be torn apart by hand into individual mushrooms, as shown here,
then cooked the way you like best (personally, sautéed over a medium heat for 10-15 minutes with some vegan margarine). Large specimens can be torn or shredded to fit your pan, or simply cooked whole if you like 'em that way!
The same goes for Maitake and Lion's Mane; just tear or shred the mushroom by hand to the piece size you prefer.
King Oyster Mushrooms are a notable exception, as the large, individual mushrooms do benefit from being sliced through the stem (actually, for mushrooms, it's called a 'stipe') into discs/medallions before cooking, resulting in a scallop-like appearance and texture.
If your Moxie purchase included Reishi or Turkey Tail, however, you're probably going to need a sharp and fairly heavy blade to cut these corky beauties into thin enough strips to brew into a mushroom tea (or coffee). Still, an axe would be overkill.... Check out our post, "Fresh Reishi Or Turkey Tail Tea Directions" for detailed instructions on handling and storing.
Comments