King Trumpet mushrooms (also known as French Horn mushrooms) are a real treat because, much like Oyster mushrooms, they are one of the few varieties you can actually grow yourself at home. But once you hit a harvesting streak, you’re often left wondering: what’s the best way to keep them fresh?
Storing Them in the Fridge
The good news is that King Trumpets stay fresh for quite a while after picking, provided you keep them chilled. My favorite trick is to wrap them in a damp paper towel or a clean kitchen cloth and tuck them into the crisper drawer of your refrigerator. Stored this way, they’ll stay firm and delicious for about eight to ten days.
Freezing King Trumpet Mushrooms
If you want to keep your harvest for the long haul, freezing is a fantastic option. First, make sure to clean your fresh mushrooms thoroughly, then slice them into thin, even pieces. I personally love using a mandoline slicer to get them perfectly uniform. Once sliced, just pop them into a freezer bag or a freezer-safe container.
Pro tip: Don’t wash or blanch them before freezing! They’ll soak up water like a sponge, which ruins the flavor and texture. When you’re ready to cook, don’t let them thaw—just toss them straight into the hot pan while they’re still frozen.
Other Preservation Methods
King Trumpets have a wonderful umami flavor that’s very similar to Porcinis, and just like Porcinis, they dry beautifully. To do this, clean and slice them as mentioned above. I highly recommend using a food dehydrator for the best results. If you don’t have one, you can use your oven set to a low temperature (around 120°F or 50°C). I’d avoid air-drying them on the counter, though; they often don’t dry fast enough, which can lead to mold growth.
Finally, if you’re feeling a bit fancy, you can also pickle your mushroom slices in a vinegar and herb brine for a tangy snack.
Here’s a quick recap of your storage options:
- In the fridge (lasts up to 10 days)
- Freezing
- Drying/Dehydrating
- Pickling in vinegar
