Have you ever found yourself with more magic mushrooms than you can consume in one sitting? Maybe you’re wondering if you can freeze them for later use. Well, the answer isn’t as straightforward as you might think.
While freezing mushrooms is a common practice for many types of mushrooms, the same cannot be said for magic mushrooms. Before attempting to freeze these fungi, there are a few things to consider, and it’s essential to understand the potential risks involved.
In this article, we’ll explore whether or not it’s safe to freeze magic mushrooms and provide some tips on properly storing them for future use.
Key Takeaways:
- Freezing fresh or hydrated magic mushrooms can damage their cell structure and reduce potency.
- Storing in the freezer or refrigerator is not recommended as the cold can damage compounds.
- Dried mushrooms should be stored in a sealed container in a cool, dry, dark place.
- Vacuum-sealed bags or mason jars with a desiccant pack are ideal for long-term storage.
- Psilocybin in shrooms deteriorates over time, even when properly stored, affecting potency.
- Light, humidity, and heat can affect potency, so store in a cool, dry, dark place.
- Consider other preservation methods, such as drying or storing in honey, before freezing.
Can You Put Shrooms in The Freezer?
Freezing magic mushrooms can be a viable option for long-term storage. However, it is essential to note that freezing fresh or hydrated mushrooms can destroy their internal cell membrane structure and greatly diminish their potency, rendering them ineffective.
Moreover, storing psychedelic mushrooms in the freezer or refrigerator is not recommended as the cold temperature can damage the active compounds, including psilocybin.
A sealed container in a cool, dry cupboard that gets no light will help dried mushrooms last longer.
But if you have to freeze mushrooms, it is best first to dry them thoroughly, as freezing mushrooms that aren’t completely dry can ruin them.
A recommended method for storing dried mushrooms is to use a vacuum sealer with an oxygen absorber and desiccant and then keep them in the freezer. Alternatively, mushrooms can be stored at room temperature in a dark, cool place.
Frozen mushrooms can last up to a year in the freezer, but it is important to note that not all types of mushrooms should be frozen similarly.
Hen of the woods mushrooms, maitake mushrooms, and wild mushrooms in the slimy-capped Suillus genus are best frozen raw because their high moisture content makes them difficult to dehydrate.
In summary, while freezing can be an option for storing magic mushrooms, it is crucial to dry them entirely beforehand and to take precautions to ensure the potency is not diminished.
How to properly freeze shrooms
To preserve shrooms indefinitely, vacuum-sealed bags are the best form of storage for freezing. You can also use a mason jar with a desiccant pack. This can preserve them for an extended period, with some sources claiming they can stay potent for a decade.
Removing the moisture and air is so crucial for this process.
Here’s how you do it:
- Dry them out as much as possible
- Please put them in a vacuum seal bag or mason jar with a desiccant pack
- No air or moisture in the container will ensure they don’t get freezer burnt
- Put them in the darkest corner so they don’t get light.
How Long Do Frozen Shrooms Last?
As mentioned before, the frozen temperatures of the freezer can break down the psilocybin over time.
After four months, the freezer may have affected the shrooms, but they can last up to a year, depending on how they are prepared.
If you’ve done an excellent job, they could give you a surprise longer than you thought.
Alternative ways to store shrooms long-term:
One standard method is to store dried shrooms in airtight containers, such as mason jars or vacuum-sealed bags, which can keep them fresh for up to a year. Vacuum-sealing dried shrooms is also considered the best method for long-term storage. Using a desiccant pack to absorb moisture in a storage container that can’t be vacuum sealed is recommended.
Another popular method is to store shrooms in honey, which can keep them fresh for up to four months in a cool, dark place. To make “blue honey,” ground shrooms or truffles can be mixed with honey to create a psychedelic treat that preserves the shrooms indefinitely.
It is important to note that the hallucinogenic power of shrooms deteriorates over time, even when properly maintained. In addition, the potency can be affected by exposure to light, humidity, and heat, so storing shrooms in a cold, dark, and dry place is recommended. Drying shrooms before preservation are the most common way to keep them for long-term use.
Will You Freeze Your Shrooms?
In conclusion, freezing magic mushrooms is technically possible but not recommended. The active compounds in magic mushrooms can be damaged by freezing, and the texture and flavour can also be adversely affected.
Additionally, there are other methods for preserving and storing magic mushrooms that are more effective and less likely to result in a loss of potency. If you want to store your magic mushrooms for long periods, it may be best to consider other preservation methods, such as drying or storing them in a cool, dry place.
Ultimately, deciding to freeze your shrooms is up to you, but weighing the potential drawbacks against the benefits is crucial before making a final decision.