Laura Smith
Mushrooms are a versatile ingredient, but they are also delicate and perishable. They are made of 80 to 90 percent water and have a porous texture, so they can spoil quickly. The best method for storing mushrooms will keep them free of slime and mould, and it might even improve their flavour. So, what's the best way to store mushrooms?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Best place to store mushrooms | In the fridge |
| How long do mushrooms last in the fridge | 7-14 days |
| How to store mushrooms in the fridge | Mushrooms should be kept in a dry, cool place in the fridge. They should be stored in a paper bag or a paper towel-lined zip-top plastic bag. They should not be stored in the crisper drawer of the fridge. |
| How to store sliced mushrooms | Sliced mushrooms should be stored in an air-tight container in the refrigerator and consumed within 3-5 days. |
| How to store cooked mushrooms | Cooked mushrooms can be stored in the fridge for 3-10 days. |
| How to store marinated mushrooms | Marinated mushrooms can be stored in the fridge for 10-14 days. |
| How to store dried mushrooms | Dried mushrooms should be stored in an airtight glass jar and can be stored at room temperature. |
| How to store frozen mushrooms | Mushrooms should be cooked, blanched, sautéed, poached, or steamed before freezing. They should be placed on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet until frozen solid and then transferred to an airtight, vacuum-sealed plastic bag. |
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What You'll Learn
Storing mushrooms in a paper bag
Mushrooms are a versatile ingredient with a meaty texture and umami flavour. However, they are delicate and perishable, with a high water content, so they can get slimy and spoil quickly. The best way to store them is in a paper bag in the fridge.
Paper bags are preferable to plastic bags or the store packaging because they allow for better air circulation. Mushrooms are porous and will soak up water like a sponge, so it's important to keep them dry to maintain freshness. A paper bag will absorb any moisture released by the mushrooms as they age, keeping their surface slime-free for longer.
Food writer Harold McGee recommends transferring the mushrooms from their original container to a brown paper bag and placing it in the fridge. After 10 days, the mushrooms were dry and slightly wrinkled, with no discernible odour. Four of the mushrooms had developed dark spots, but according to Cook’s Illustrated, older mushrooms are still safe to eat and may have a deeper, earthier flavour.
If you have a large number of mushrooms and won't be able to use them before they go bad, you can also freeze them. It's best to cook them first by lightly sautéing them in butter or steaming them, then freezing them on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet until they are frozen solid. Once frozen, store them in an airtight, vacuum-sealed plastic bag to prevent freezer burn.
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Keeping mushrooms in the fridge
Mushrooms are a versatile ingredient with a meaty texture and umami flavor. However, their high water content (80-90%) means they can spoil quickly. To keep mushrooms fresh, the refrigerator is the best place. But it's not just about keeping them cool—you also need to control moisture and avoid odors.
Storing Mushrooms in the Fridge
Mushrooms are porous and act like sponges, absorbing water and odors. To prevent this, avoid washing mushrooms before storing them. Instead, keep them dry and store them in a paper bag or a paper towel-lined zip-top plastic bag. The paper will absorb the moisture that mushrooms naturally release, helping to prevent slime. You can also wrap the mushrooms in a paper towel and place them in an open plastic bag. Avoid using airtight containers, as these will trap moisture.
It's also important to avoid storing mushrooms near strong-smelling food, as they will absorb those odors. Keep them on a shelf in the fridge, not in the crisper drawer, which is too moist.
Whole mushrooms bought from the grocery store can last in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. However, it's advisable to consume them within seven to ten days of purchase. Sliced mushrooms should be consumed within three to seven days.
Other Storage Options
If you want to keep mushrooms for longer, you can freeze or dry them. Before freezing, cook, blanch, sauté, poach, or steam the mushrooms to preserve their texture and flavor. Then, freeze them on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet before transferring them to an airtight, vacuum-sealed plastic bag. Frozen mushrooms can be stored for up to 12 months.
Drying mushrooms involves using a dehydrator or air-drying them in a mesh container for about a week. Once dry, store them in an airtight glass jar. Dried mushrooms can last for up to three years and have an intense umami flavor.
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Freezing mushrooms
Mushrooms are highly perishable due to their porous texture and high water content. Freezing is a helpful technique to extend the time you have to use them and reduce food waste.
Before freezing your mushrooms, it's important to cook, blanch, sauté, poach, or steam them to help lock in their texture and flavour. This also draws out their internal moisture, ensuring a nicer texture and more intact mushroom for use post-freeze. Wash the mushrooms thoroughly and trim them of any woody bits or stems. You can leave them whole if they're small enough (less than one inch in diameter), or cut them into uniform pieces like quarters or slices.
To steam the mushrooms, transfer them to a steamer basket and steam for 3-5 minutes depending on their size. Transfer the mushrooms to an ice water bath for a couple of minutes, then strain the water out, spread the mushrooms on a towel, and pat them dry. Place the mushrooms in a single layer on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet and freeze. Once frozen, transfer the mushrooms to a freezer-safe container or bag, removing as much air as possible before sealing and labelling.
Frozen mushrooms should be used in cooked dishes and not eaten raw. They can be thawed overnight in the fridge or tossed directly into the pan.
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Drying mushrooms
Mushrooms are a versatile ingredient with a high water content, a porous texture, and a mild flavor. They can be dried in a dehydrator or by air-drying. Here is a step-by-step guide to drying mushrooms:
Step 1: Clean the Mushrooms
Use a brush or a dry paper towel to wipe any dirt off the mushrooms. Avoid getting the mushrooms wet while cleaning them, as this can cause mould to grow during the drying process. If there are stubborn spots of dirt, use a damp cloth, but be sure to wipe the spot with a dry cloth afterward to absorb any remaining moisture.
Step 2: Cut the Mushrooms
The thicker the mushrooms, the longer they will take to dry. To speed up the process, cut the mushrooms into slices approximately 1/8 inch (0.3 cm) thick.
Step 3: Prepare for Air-Drying
Place the mushrooms on a baking sheet or in a container that allows for good airflow, such as a mesh colander or a baking rack set on a baking sheet. Ensure none of the mushrooms overlap, as this could cause them to stick together while drying.
Step 4: Air-Dry
Place the mushrooms in a well-ventilated area, preferably with sunlight. Allow them to air-dry for 7-10 days, or until they are completely dry and do not give when squeezed.
Step 5: Store
Once the mushrooms are fully dry, store them in airtight glass jars or canisters. Keep them in a cool, dry, dark location, such as a pantry or countertop, where they can last for up to two to three years.
Alternative Method: Oven-Drying
If you want to speed up the drying process, you can partially dry the mushrooms in the oven. Preheat the oven to 150°F (65°C). Place the mushrooms on a baking sheet and put them in the oven for about an hour. Then, flip them over and blot any moisture with a paper towel. Repeat the process until the mushrooms are fully dry. Allow them to cool, then store them in airtight containers.
Storing Mushrooms in the Fridge
When storing fresh mushrooms in the fridge, it is best to avoid washing them first, as this can shorten their shelf life. Keep them in a paper bag or an open plastic bag lined with paper towels to absorb moisture. They will last in the fridge for about a week to two weeks, depending on the type of mushroom. Sliced mushrooms should be used within three days.
Freezing Mushrooms
To freeze mushrooms, it is best to cook them first to preserve their quality and flavour. Sauté, blanch, poach, or steam them, then freeze them on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet until solid. Transfer the frozen mushrooms to an airtight, vacuum-sealed plastic bag and store them in the freezer for up to 12 months.
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How long mushrooms last in the fridge
Mushrooms are a versatile ingredient in the kitchen, but they are highly perishable due to their high water content. The best place to store mushrooms is in the refrigerator, but which spot you choose impacts preservation.
Whole mushrooms bought from the grocery store can last in the refrigerator for up to two weeks, but it is recommended to consume them within seven to ten days of purchase. Some sources suggest that whole mushrooms will only last between four and seven days in the fridge. One source claims that vacuum-sealed mushrooms can stay good for up to three weeks.
Sliced mushrooms should be consumed within a week of purchase, but some batches can go bad within three to five days. Sliced mushrooms stored in the refrigerator in a paper bag or porous container will only last one to two days.
To extend the shelf life of mushrooms, you can cook, blanch, sauté, poach, or steam them before freezing them. Frozen mushrooms can be stored for up to 12 months. Another long-term storage option is to dry mushrooms, which can indefinitely extend their shelf life.
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Frequently asked questions
Whole mushrooms can be stored in the refrigerator for up to two weeks, but it is recommended to consume them within seven to ten days of purchase. Sliced mushrooms should be consumed within three to five days.
Mushrooms should be stored in a dry, cool fridge. They should not be washed before storing as this can shorten their shelf life. They can be stored in their original packaging, but it is recommended to transfer them to a paper bag or a paper towel-lined zip-top plastic bag to absorb moisture and prevent sliminess.
Yes, mushrooms can be stored in the freezer. It is recommended to cook, blanch, sauté, poach, or steam them before freezing to help lock in their texture and flavour. They can then be frozen on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet before being transferred to an airtight, vacuum-sealed plastic bag. Frozen mushrooms can be stored for up to 12 months.
