Selection and storage
Enoki is best available from October till May; hence, the name winter mushroom. In the stores, one can easily identify them by their strikingly long stems and tiny caps, usually wrapped in cling films, from a distance in the vegetable/mushroom sections. Choose white, firm, and shiny enoki mushrooms. They are sold in bunches in plastic containers/wraps, especially in Asian grocery stores.
Avoid any that have damp, slimy patches and those that have discoloration. They are also sold in jars or cans but prefer fresh over canned.
If you buy fresh enoki mushrooms, they will keep for one week in their packaging when placed in the salad compartment of a refrigerator.
Preparation and serving methods
Enoki is one of the delicate gourmet mushrooms. Fresh mushrooms rarely require washing. The mushrooms are harvested in clumps, attached to a tough, spongy root base which is cut off.
So, trim the 1-1.5 inch lower clump base before using it in the recipes. You can use these trim ends to make stock.
Soak dry enoki mushroom in warm water for 10 minutes to rehydrate. Do not discard the soaking liquid as it can add flavor to stock, or use it in soups, sauces, stews, and stir-fries.
Do not overcook, add at the end of cooking time. Enoki mushrooms have a delicately sweet and almost fruity flavor and a delicate soft texture.
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| Shabu shabu-hot pot with different kinds of mushrooms and vegetables is a Japanian recipe. Anokarina |
Here are some serving tips:
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Enoki mushrooms are delicious raw. They decorate and flavor salads, vegetables, and stir-fried dishes.
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Nametake is a popular rice dish served with sauteed enoki with seasonings of soy sauce, mirin, and herbs.
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They can be added to soups, sauces, pasta dishes, stews, and omelets.
Safety profile
Allergic reactions to enoki mushrooms are rare. Some sensitized persons who actively take part in the cultivation may develop allergic contact dermatitis to this mushroom.(Medical disclaimer).
You may also like to read:-
≻≻-Back to Mushrooms from Enoki mushroom nutrition. Visit here for an impressive list of edible mushrooms with complete illustrations of their nutrition facts and
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