Enoki Mushrooms – All You Need to Know | Instacart Guide to Fresh Produce

What are enoki mushrooms?

Enoki mushrooms are a species of edible mushrooms from the Physalacriaceae family. They are common in Japanese cuisine and very small in size, growing in bouquets of tightly packed, long stems with small caps. Their appearance resembles a noodle. Many people use them to add flavor to salads, sandwiches, and soups.

If enoki mushrooms look familiar, it’s because they come from the same family as shiitake and oyster mushrooms. However, they are unique among their mushroom peers because they are super mild in flavor and have a bit of crunch to them.

Where they are grown affects their appearance. Wild enoki mushrooms are said to have larger caps and shorter stems with an earthier flavor. Their color also ranges from orange and brown.

You may also encounter this mushroom under the name velvet shank.

Where did enoki mushrooms originate from?

Enoki mushrooms have been cultivated for years. They are prominent in Chinese, Japanese, and Korean cuisine as well as in traditional herbal medicines. Experts have dated enoki mushrooms back to 800 BCE in Asia, with the first varietal appearing in Japan.

In recent years, they have seen increasing popularity in global markets. Today, you can find cultivated enoki mushrooms in supermarkets and farmers’ markets in Asia, Europe, North America, and Australia.

What is the nutritional value of enoki mushrooms?

One hundred grams of dry enoki mushrooms provide 346 calories. Enoki mushrooms contain lots of vitamins and minerals. They also have dietary fiber, niacin, calcium, potassium, selenium, copper, phosphorous, and iron. Many prize them as a heart-healthy food because they’re low in cholesterol and high in antioxidants and amino acids.

In Chinese medicine, they are commonly used to help reduce intestinal issues, blood pressure, and liver disease. This is due to their excellent anti-inflammatory properties and immune system boosters. Additional benefits include aiding in weight loss and reducing blood sugar and hypertension.

They also have numerous anticancer and antitumor effects thanks to phenolic compounds, beta-glucans, and glycoproteins. Researchers are also looking into the anti-cancer potential of enoki extract against breast cancer cell lines. More recent research shows the possibility of reducing the spread of lung and stomach cancer.

How are enoki mushrooms grown?

Wild enoki mushrooms grow on wood trees during spring thaws. Cultivation of this mushroom requires creating similar growing conditions.

Enoki mushrooms are usually cultivated on an aged hardwood sawdust medium packed into small glass and plastic bottles. The medium has been pasteurized to kill any harmful pathogens before the enoki spawn is introduced. A spawn-run takes about 12–30 days in 90%–100% humidity at a temperature of 72–77°F.

As the spawn permeates the medium, the temperature is lowered to between 50–55°F to pinning. This creates bodies that eventually form a full mushroom. Enoki mushrooms do not require exposure to light to pin.

Once the mushrooms form, they are ready to harvest. One bottle can have multiple crops over a period of 2–3 weeks before the growing medium is spent.

When are enoki mushrooms in season?

Wild enoki mushrooms typically begin growing after a spring thaw. The cultivated variety that you likely find in stores is typically available all year round.

How do you pick enoki mushrooms at the grocery store?

When you go to the store, locate the mushrooms in your fresh vegetable section. They are typically sold in bunches. You will want to select mushrooms that appear cream white. They’ll also be dry and firm to the touch when handled, and the stalks should be free of slime or spots.

Want someone to pick out some enoki mushrooms for you? Use Instacart to get them delivered to your door the same day. Just add your item to your order and tap “Instructions” to make sure your shopper knows the conditions and substitutions you’ll accept for your enoki mushrooms. Shop enoki mushrooms.

How to store enoki mushrooms?

Enoki mushrooms will stay fresh for up to 14 days if stored in the coldest part of your refrigerator in a plastic bag.

You can also freeze enoki mushrooms, but you will need to cook them first and practice flash freezing to make sure they are stored the right way.

How to tell if enoki mushrooms are bad?

You can tell if your enoki mushrooms are bad by smell, touch, or sight. If your enoki mushrooms have a strong, sweet smell, feel slightly sticky or wet to the touch, or you find that the lower stalks are dark when you cut into them, it’s time to throw them out.

They may also have wrinkles or dark spots which indicate that they have gone bad and should be discarded.

What can I substitute for enoki mushrooms?

Don’t have access to enoki mushrooms? You can substitute several other varieties of fresh mushrooms in their place.

Cremini mushrooms are an ideal substitution for this species. However, you can also substitute beech mushrooms, which are tiny brown-capped mushrooms. Oyster mushrooms may be more widely available, but they will have a stronger flavor than enoki mushrooms. Still, they might work great depending on your recipe.

Wood ear mushrooms also work well when used as a substitute in salads. White button mushrooms work in a pinch, but they are not necessarily the first choice.

Where can I buy enoki mushrooms?

Enoki mushrooms are considered specialty produce. Their growing popularity means that they are typically found at high-end grocery stores, Asian markets, and some convenience stores.

If you’re not sure where to start, let a personal shopper do the work for you. Download Instacart and let an experienced shopper pick put your fresh produce just for you.

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