Tree fungi not only have a dark side as merciless tree destroyers. Numerous species are edible and make gourmet hearts beat faster. If you want to benefit from their culinary advantages, you can preserve the short-lived fruit bodies. This guide explains how to skilfully preserve tree fungi.

The dark honey fungus is edible when cooked

Be careful with the quick meal from the tree

Before you start preserving tree mushrooms, you should eliminate any risk of poisoning. If you are not sure about the identification of mushroom species, please contact a mushroom expert. The German Society for Mycology (DGfM) registers recognized mushroom connoisseurs who can provide reliable information on the edible value of tree fungi.

Preserve tree fungi - How to preserve the fruiting bodies

Some edible tree mushrooms are harmful to health when raw. Mushroom types such as the dark honey fungus (Armillaria solidipes) or the honey honey fungus (Armillaria mellea) should therefore be boiled briefly before preservation. Rinse other edible fruit bodies with water to remove dirt. You have the following options for preservation:

  • Freeze for a shelf life of 3 to 12 months
  • Machine drying: Clean and slice mushrooms and dehydrate until hard
  • Air dry: lay out in an airy, shady, dry spot on a wire rack
  • Boil down: Briefly boil the mushrooms in salted water, fill into mason jars, simmer in a hot water bath for 60 minutes and cool upside down

Pickling is a flavorful way to preserve tree mushrooms. Pour 0.5 liters of white wine and 0.5 liters of wine vinegar into a saucepan and add 2 chopped garlic cloves and 1 tablespoon each of salt and coriander. A pinch of nutmeg and pepper complete the seasoning. In this broth, let the mushrooms cook for 15 minutes. Then sieve the mushrooms, put them in a jar with a screw cap and fill it up with olive or sunflower oil.

tips

Tinder fungi (Fomes fomentarius) are far too good to carelessly dispose of after removing them from the tree. The mushroom of the year 1995 offers a wide range of possible uses, which the world-famous glacier man "Ötzi" already appreciated 5000 years ago. Among his belongings was a preserved tinder sponge, used to either start fires or treat wounds.

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Vegetable garden