Emily Johnson
Mushrooms are a versatile ingredient, but they can be tricky to store due to their high water content and absorbency. They can quickly become slimy, discoloured, or develop dark spots—all signs that they are going bad. Mushrooms should be stored in the fridge, where they will last for three to seven days. To test a mushroom for freshness, look for a dry, crisp, and firm texture, and a consistent colour. A sour or pungent smell is also a sign that mushrooms have gone bad.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Texture | Firm, smooth, plump, dry, sticky, slimy, wrinkled, shrivelled, spongy, soft, mushy, soggy |
| Colour | Uniform colour, darker colour, dark spots, discoloured |
| Smell | Subtle, light, earthy, pungent, funky |
| Storage | Refrigerated, wrapped in paper towels, stored in brown paper bags, not washed before storing |
| Lifespan | 3-7 days in the fridge, 1 day outside the refrigerator |
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What You'll Learn
How to store mushrooms
Mushrooms are versatile ingredients that can be used in a variety of dishes. However, storing them can be tricky. Here are some tips on how to store mushrooms to keep them fresh and tasty:
Choose the Right Container
Avoid storing mushrooms in plastic containers or bags as they trap moisture, leading to discoloration, mould, and slime. Instead, opt for a paper bag or a paper towel-lined zip-top bag. Paper absorbs moisture, helping the mushrooms stay fresh for longer. If you don't have paper bags, wrap the mushrooms in paper towels and place them in a bowl or open plastic bags in the refrigerator.
Refrigerate
The refrigerator is the best place to store mushrooms, but it's important to choose the right spot. Avoid the crisper drawer as it tends to have high humidity, which is not ideal for mushrooms. Instead, place the mushrooms on a shelf in the fridge. Make sure they are not overcrowded to ensure proper airflow.
Avoid Washing
Do not wash mushrooms before storing them. Mushrooms absorb moisture easily, and the added moisture can accelerate spoilage. It is best to clean mushrooms just before preparing or cooking them. If you need to clean them, use a damp paper towel or a pastry brush to rub them down.
Keep Away from Strong Odours
Mushrooms are porous and can absorb odours from strong-smelling foods in the fridge. Keep them away from items with strong scents to prevent your mushrooms from taking on unwanted flavours.
Long-Term Storage Options
If you want to keep mushrooms for an extended period, you can freeze or dry them. To freeze, cook the mushrooms first, then dip them in a solution of water and lemon juice to preserve their colour. Once cooled, store them in a freezer bag for up to 12 months. For drying, use a dehydrator or air-drying techniques, then store them in airtight glass jars.
Signs of Spoilage
Even with proper storage, mushrooms won't last indefinitely. Check for signs of spoilage, such as sliminess, wrinkles, sogginess, dark discolouration, or mould. If you notice any of these, discard the mushrooms.
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How to spot if they're off
Mushrooms are best cooked and consumed when fresh. They have a short shelf life, so it's important to know how to spot if they've gone off.
Firstly, check the texture of the mushrooms. Fresh mushrooms should be firm, springy, plump, and light. If they are drying out, or are downright shrivelled, they are too far gone. Mushrooms that are soft, soggy, spongy, or floppy have begun to decompose and should not be eaten. Slimy mushrooms are also a sign that they are beginning to rot, and bacteria are breaking them down. However, some people say that if the slime comes off in running water, they are still edible (though they won't taste of much).
Secondly, check the colour. Fresh mushrooms have a uniform colour. If they are developing dark spots, or are darker in colour overall, they are past their prime.
Thirdly, use your nose. Fresh mushrooms have a subtle, light, earthy, and sweet scent. If they have a pungent odour, they've gone off.
Finally, if you are buying mushrooms, choose loose mushrooms so you can inspect their quality. Avoid pre-packaged containers.
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What to do with off mushrooms
If your mushrooms are off, it doesn't necessarily mean you have to throw them away. If they are only a little slimy, and the slime comes off in running water, you can still eat them (but make sure to cook them first). However, it's important to note that at this stage, they will have very little flavour.
If you have a lot of mushrooms that are about to go off, you can cook them and then freeze them. This will preserve their taste, but they will lose some of their nutritional value and texture. To freeze mushrooms, wipe them down first with a paper towel and store them in an airtight bag. Do not wash the mushrooms before freezing, as they have a high water content and can act like a sponge, resulting in poor-quality mushrooms after thawing.
If you want to prolong the life of your mushrooms, you can also try drying them. Dried mushrooms add a savoury umami flavour to recipes.
If your mushrooms are extremely slimy, wrinkled, or smelly, it's best to discard them. However, if you're looking for alternative uses for mushrooms besides eating them, they can be used to create eco-friendly packaging, bricks, and even lithium-ion batteries. Mushroom packaging, for example, is made from 100% biodegradable and renewable material that can be recycled naturally within 1-2 months. Mushroom bricks, on the other hand, are made by combining mycelium with chopped-up corn husks, providing a strong, cheap, and eco-friendly alternative to concrete. Lastly, Portobello mushrooms can be used to create graphite alternative lithium-ion batteries that have a longer lifespan and are biodegradable when disposed of.
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Mushrooms that are safe to eat when discoloured
Mushrooms are a delicious and nutritious treat, but they can quickly spoil and become unsafe to eat. It is important to check your mushrooms for any signs of spoilage before consuming them. While fresh mushrooms should be dry, crisp, and firm, spoiled mushrooms will be slimy, sticky, and soft. They may also have a strange smell, such as a fishy, sour, or pungent odour. If your mushrooms have any of these characteristics, it is best to discard them as they may contain harmful bacteria that can cause food poisoning or botulism.
That being said, discolouration in mushrooms may not always indicate spoilage. Some mushrooms, such as lion's mane mushrooms, naturally have a faint pink or orange hue even when fresh. Therefore, it is important to consider the natural colour variations of the specific type of mushroom you are evaluating. Additionally, minor dark spots on mushrooms may not render them unsafe to eat, but they should be consumed as soon as possible as they are past their prime.
When handling mushrooms, it is important to prioritise food safety. Always wash your hands before and after handling mushrooms, and use a clean cutting board. If you decide to consume mushrooms that have minor discolouration, you can wash them and cook them thoroughly. Cooking mushrooms can neutralise bacteria and reduce the risk of foodborne illness. However, it is important to note that spoiled mushrooms may still taste bitter or off-putting, even after cooking.
To extend the shelf life of mushrooms, proper storage is essential. Fresh mushrooms should be stored in the refrigerator and used within 3 to 4 days of purchase. Keeping them in a paper bag or plastic packaging can create an environment conducive to microbial growth, leading to spoilage. Additionally, it is crucial to separate mushrooms from raw meat, eggs, and seafood to prevent cross-contamination.
While most mushrooms are not toxic, it is important to accurately identify wild mushrooms before consumption, as some varieties can be poisonous and even deadly. Familiarise yourself with safe and poisonous mushrooms in your region, and if in doubt, refrain from consuming mushrooms that you cannot positively identify.
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How long mushrooms last in the fridge
Mushrooms are a tricky ingredient to store, thanks to their high water content and porous nature. They can quickly become slimy and rotten if not stored correctly.
Firstly, when buying mushrooms, it is best to choose those with their stems still intact, as this keeps the interior of the fungus fresh for longer. Secondly, do not wash the mushrooms before storing them. Mushrooms act like sponges and will absorb water, leading to faster spoilage. Instead, use a dry paper towel or cloth to wipe away any dirt.
When storing mushrooms, it is best to wrap them in a paper towel and place them in a brown paper bag in the fridge. This will help to absorb excess moisture and maintain freshness. Avoid plastic bags and sealed containers, as the lack of airflow will speed up spoilage.
Raw mushrooms stored in this way will last between three and seven days in the fridge. However, it is recommended to consume them within the first week, as their quality will decrease after this point. Sliced mushrooms will only last one to two days in the fridge.
If you want to keep mushrooms for longer, you can freeze them. However, this will affect their texture and nutritional value. To freeze mushrooms, it is best to steam or saute them first, then allow them to cool before storing in a freezer bag. You can also dehydrate mushrooms, which will then last indefinitely.
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Frequently asked questions
Mushrooms that are off will have a slimy texture and a pungent, sour, or fishy smell. They may also have wrinkles, folds, bruises, or dark spots.
Raw mushrooms can last anywhere between three and seven days in the fridge. Cooked mushrooms last three to four days.
The best way to store whole or sliced mushrooms is in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Yes, you can freeze mushrooms. However, it is recommended that you cook them before freezing to ensure optimal quality.
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