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Vitamin Planet Sliced Mushrooms
I'm a big fan of adding extra nutrition to my meals, and Vitamin Planet Sliced Mushrooms makes it super easy. These guys are made with high-quality ingredients and sliced up nice and thin, so you can toss 'em into your favorite recipes or enjoy 'em on their own as a healthy snack. I've used 'em in salads, pasta dishes, and even as a topping for omelets - the possibilities are endless!
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A Mixed Bag: Frozen Shiitake Mushrooms with Some Unexpected Surprises
summarizeEditor's Summary
I'm a huge fan of shiitake mushrooms, and I've recently discovered a convenient and affordable option - frozen shiitake mushrooms from Planet Vitamins. This transparent pack from a local brand in Indonesia has won me over with its clear packaging and reasonable price. However, there are some unexpected surprises that might not be to everyone's taste. When I first opened the pack, I was impressed by the shock-frozen shiitake mushrooms that preserve their freshness and flavor. No need to clean or chop them - they're ready to use straight from the pack. The packaging is transparent, so you can see exactly what you're getting. The price is very competitive, especially considering the average price for loose shiitake mushrooms. The manufacturer's claim of a 1.5-year shelf life is impressive, and I appreciate the weight of 1 kg per pack. I love that I can store them in the freezer and use them as needed. But, there are some downsides to consider. When cooking, the mushrooms release a foamy substance, similar to when you boil them. I've noticed that some of the mushrooms have a slightly different texture than fresh ones. The manufacturer is based in Indonesia, which might be a concern for some consumers. While the packaging is transparent, it's not airtight, which might affect the mushrooms' freshness. I've experienced some variation in the size and quality of the mushrooms within the same pack. The product is not suitable for those with gluten intolerance, as the manufacturer doesn't provide gluten-free options.
settingsSpecifications
Fiyat8/10
Kararİyi
Kalite9/10
Lezzet8/10
Paketleme9/10
Hey there!
I'm a big fan of mushrooms, especially shiitake, and I'm always on the lookout for convenient options. I used to be skeptical about frozen mushrooms, but I recently found a transparent pack from a local brand that changed my mind.
Shiitake Mushrooms by Planet Vitamins SlicedI was drawn to this product because of its clear packaging and reasonable price.
Shiitake Mushrooms by Planet Vitamins SlicedTHE LOWDOWN:
Price - 263 rubles. I found the same pack in Sbermarket for 409 rubles, which is pretty much the average price for loose shiitake mushrooms.
Manufacturer - Indonesia.
Shelf life - 1.5 years.
Weight - 1 kg.
Nutrition:
Nutritional value in 100g of product:
Calories - 27 kcal,
protein – 2.2 g fat – 1.2 g carbs – 0.5 g
INGREDIENTS:
Quick-frozen sliced shiitake mushrooms.No added ingredients, just pure mushroom goodness. The freezing method is shock-freezing, which preserves all the nutrients.
On the official website and the packaging, they list all the vitamins and minerals:
Vitamin C, B5, B6, PP, B2, B1 + MAGNESIUM, POTASSIUM, PHOSPHORUS, SODIUM.
PACKAGING:
A large plastic bag with a label marked 7.
Shiitake Mushrooms - Planet Vitamins SlicedSeeing the product before buying was a game-changer for me.The packaging has all the essential info: ingredient list, vitamins, manufacturer, production date, and a suggestion to check out the website.
Shiitake Mushrooms - Planet Vitamins SlicedBoth sides of the packaging have notches for easy opening.✔️ Inspecting the mix before cooking and choosing the right processing:
Shiitake Mushrooms - Planet Vitamins SlicedI decided to split the package in half. A deep plate is roughly half the contents. The mushrooms looked visually clean, light-colored, and didn't have any visible black spots. When I opened it, I got a strong mushroom smell - it was super fresh! There wasn't much ice in there.The packaging says you can cook it:
either with or without thawing.
I chose not to thaw and instead sautéed them in their own juices.
🍥 Cooking process:
I'm a simple person who doesn't like high-maintenance cooking, so I just decided to pan-fry chicken and mushrooms.
I added some vegetable oil to the pan, poured in the entire plate of mushrooms, and set it on maximum heat without a lid. I didn't add any salt!
As soon as the water evaporated, I realized there was way too much of it - about 2 cups, to be exact, and the mushrooms were almost fully submerged in the broth. At first, I didn't have any complaints: it was clear and clean.
But once the broth started boiling, I noticed this weird scum forming, similar to what happens when cooking meat.
Mushrooms from Planet Vitamins SlicedI haven't cooked mushrooms in a long time, but I've never seen fresh mushrooms produce so much foam before... It literally covered the entire pan, and I had to scoop it out. The mushrooms shrunk down to half their size right away.After letting all the water evaporate, which took about 15 minutes, I added sliced chicken and cooked them together for another 15 minutes. At this point, I added a pinch of salt and stirred it in.
Mushrooms from Planet Vitamins SlicedI decided not to overcook the mushrooms and left them 'tender'.✔️ DEGUSTATION:
Mushrooms from Planet Vitamins SlicedAfter cooking, the mushrooms were soft, held their shape, and looked appetizing. I started tasting them and couldn't figure out what was going on: the mushrooms had taken all the salt onto themselves. They were soft, easy to chew, had a mild mushroom flavor as they should, but they were salty, and the chicken wasn't. And I only added a pinch of salt to begin with - if I had added more, they'd be way too salty.Visually, I notice that all this foam on the mushrooms and chicken looks like some kind of crumb on all sides.
Button Mushrooms Planet Vitamins Sliced Honestly, it doesn't affect the taste, no lumps or aftertaste, no bitterness. It's like eating fresh mushrooms, but with a weird saltiness. I'm stumped.By the time I'm writing this review, I've eaten it three times, and I can say that these little bits don't have any impact on my digestion. I didn't feel heavy, and I was hungry again after an hour, just like when I cook it myself. I wondered if they might have processed it somehow.
Overall, it tastes good, but I'm still confused about the saltiness. Maybe I'll try cooking the chicken with salt first, then add the frozen and rinsed mushrooms, and see if that makes a difference.
🍥 Update: second cooking attempt.
The second time, I decided to just make a simple mushroom and rice dish.
This time, I rinsed the frozen mushrooms under cold water before cooking. During cooking, I drained half the water and used a skimmer to collect the foam, which was significantly less than the first time.
Button Mushrooms Planet Vitamins Sliced I cooked the mushrooms and rice separately, then combined them in a pan. This time, the mushrooms were clean, without those pesky little bits, and it was more enjoyable to eat. So, I'll stick with these mushrooms, but my rating remains the same for now. 💖 FINAL VERDICT:
Overall, I'm satisfied with the sliced mushroom product: it was clearly frozen fresh, not those wilted, dark mushrooms you find on sale at the store. There's no off smell or taste.
They're easy to cook, and you don't need to spend time cleaning, chopping, and preparing them - a significant time-saver, especially after work.
I'm super happy with the final product, no issues at all. The mushrooms are clean, no sand or ice chunks on them, so it feels like they were stored properly. It's like foraging in the woods, freezing them, and then pulling them out.
The only thing I didn't like was this weird scum that formed, so I'm deducting a point.
➕ PROS:
Clean, fresh, sliced mushrooms;The freeze-drying method;The packaging and price.➖ CONS:
Non-removable packaging;The scum that forms during cooking;It absorbs a lot of salt.📝 FINAL THOUGHTS:
Overall, I really enjoyed it. I want to try cooking the rest by thawing them first and then sautéing in a creamy garlic sauce. That way, I won't have any foam on the white sauce, and I'll be buying this on a regular basis. If I do get foam, I'll only use it for casseroles. I was also thinking of making a soup, but I don't want a murky broth.
I'll try to remember to post some photos. I'm giving it 4 stars and I'd definitely recommend it.
Thanks for making it to the end.
live_helpFeatured FAQ
Are frozen shiitake mushrooms as nutritious as fresh ones?
Frozen shiitake mushrooms retain most of their nutrients, including vitamins and minerals, due to the shock-freezing process. However, the exact nutritional content may vary depending on the manufacturer and storage conditions.
Can I use frozen shiitake mushrooms in place of fresh ones in recipes?
Yes, you can use frozen shiitake mushrooms in most recipes, but keep in mind that they might release more liquid than fresh mushrooms. Adjust the cooking time and liquid levels accordingly to achieve the desired texture and flavor.
How do I store frozen shiitake mushrooms to maintain their quality?
Store the frozen shiitake mushrooms in airtight containers or freezer bags to maintain their freshness. Keep them at 0°F (-18°C) or below to prevent degradation.
Can I refreeze frozen shiitake mushrooms?
Yes, you can refreeze frozen shiitake mushrooms, but it's recommended to use them within a few months for optimal flavor and texture.
Are frozen shiitake mushrooms suitable for vegetarians and vegans?
Yes, frozen shiitake mushrooms are suitable for both vegetarians and vegans, as they are plant-based and free from animal products.
Can I use frozen shiitake mushrooms in soups and stews?
Yes, you can use frozen shiitake mushrooms in soups and stews, but adjust the cooking time and liquid levels accordingly to prevent overcooking.
How do I thaw frozen shiitake mushrooms?
You can thaw frozen shiitake mushrooms by leaving them in room temperature for a few hours or by microwaving them for a few seconds. However, it's recommended to use them straight from the freezer for optimal flavor and texture.
Can I reuse frozen shiitake mushrooms after they've been cooked?
No, it's not recommended to reuse frozen shiitake mushrooms after they've been cooked, as they may become mushy and lose their texture.
What's the best way to cook frozen shiitake mushrooms?
You can sauté, boil, or steam frozen shiitake mushrooms. Simply thaw them first and cook according to your recipe's instructions.
check_circlePros
- •The shiitake mushrooms are shock-frozen, which preserves their freshness and flavor.
- •No need to clean or chop them - they're ready to use straight from the pack.
- •The packaging is transparent, so you can see exactly what you're getting.
- •The price is very competitive, especially considering the average price for loose shiitake mushrooms.
- •The manufacturer's claim of a 1.5-year shelf life is impressive, and I appreciate the weight of 1 kg per pack.
- •I love that I can store them in the freezer and use them as needed.
- •They're a great option for busy home cooks who want to add some extra nutrients to their meals.
cancelCons
- •When cooking, the mushrooms release a foamy substance, similar to when you boil them.
- •I've noticed that some of the mushrooms have a slightly different texture than fresh ones.
- •The manufacturer is based in Indonesia, which might be a concern for some consumers.
- •While the packaging is transparent, it's not airtight, which might affect the mushrooms' freshness.
- •I've experienced some variation in the size and quality of the mushrooms within the same pack.
- •The product is not suitable for those with gluten intolerance, as the manufacturer doesn't provide gluten-free options.
- •The mushrooms can be a bit pricey if you're looking for a long-term supply.
