Emily Johnson
Mushrooms are a versatile ingredient, adding an earthy, umami-rich flavour to dishes. However, they have a short shelf life, and it is important to know when they have gone bad. Mushrooms are primarily made of water and need air to survive and thrive before being cooked. Fresh mushrooms should be dry, firm, and smooth, but as they start to go bad, they become dehydrated and start to wrinkle, shrivel, and turn slimy. They may also develop an unpleasant odour, and if they do, they should not be consumed as they could contain harmful bacteria that can cause food poisoning or botulism.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Signs of being out of date | Slimy, sticky, discoloured, wrinkled, shrunken, bruised, brown or dark spots, unpleasant odour, dehydrated, fuzzy, mouldy |
| Potential consequences of consuming out-of-date mushrooms | Food poisoning, botulism, sickness, tummy pain, diarrhoea |
| Recommended storage | In a paper bag in the fridge, on a shelf, not in a drawer, not in plastic wrap or a container that will hold moisture |
| Typical shelf life | Up to 10 days in the fridge, up to a day if left out of the fridge |
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What You'll Learn
How to store mushrooms
It is important to know how to store mushrooms properly to avoid food poisoning. Mushrooms are perishable and delicate, and they need air to survive and thrive before being cooked. They are primarily made of water, and moisture is the number-one enemy when it comes to keeping mushrooms fresh.
Firstly, when you buy mushrooms, take them out of their original container. Mushroom containers are usually sealed with plastic wrap, which traps moisture and causes discoloration, mould, and slime. If you plan to eat your mushrooms within a day or two, it is okay to leave them in the original packaging.
To store mushrooms for longer, place them in a brown paper bag. This allows the mushrooms to breathe, and the paper absorbs moisture, preventing mould from growing. You can also wrap the mushrooms in a paper towel and place them in a bowl in the refrigerator. The paper towel will absorb any excess moisture.
If you have already sliced the mushrooms, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Whole mushrooms should be used within a week of purchase. Mushrooms will keep for up to 10 days in the fridge, but they are best within the first week. After that, their quality decreases, and they become dehydrated and start to wrinkle and shrink.
You can also cook mushrooms and then freeze them for later use. For the best colour post-freezing, dip the mushrooms in a solution of one pint of water and one teaspoon of lemon juice before cooking. Once the cooked mushrooms have cooled, place them in a freezer bag and store them in the freezer for up to 12 months. Another long-term storage option is to dry your mushrooms. This method better preserves the quality of the fungi while extending their shelf life indefinitely.
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Signs of spoilage
When it comes to identifying if mushrooms have gone bad, there are several signs of spoilage to look out for:
Visual Clues: The first and most obvious sign is the visual appearance of the mushrooms. Fresh mushrooms should have a plump, firm texture with intact caps and stems. If you notice any visible signs of deterioration, such as shriveling, sliminess, or discoloration, it's best to discard them. Look for any signs of mold growth, which can appear as cotton-like fluff or small spots in white, green, or black. Mold indicates that the mushrooms are no longer safe to eat and should be thrown away.
Texture and Smell: Mushrooms that have gone bad will often develop a slippery or sticky texture, indicating that they are starting to decay. They may also become softer and mushy, especially if they have been stored in a damp environment. In terms of smell, fresh mushrooms should have a mild, earthy aroma. If they start to give off a strong, putrid, or ammonia-like odor, it's a clear sign that they have spoiled and should be discarded.
Brown Spots and Wrinkles: As mushrooms age, they may develop small brown spots or wrinkles on their surface. While these spots are natural signs of aging and do not necessarily indicate dangerous spoilage, they can affect the texture and taste of the mushroom. If you notice extensive browning or wrinkling, it's best to discard the mushrooms as their quality and flavor will be compromised.
Gills and Stem Changes: In mushrooms with exposed gills, check if the gills are still young and pinkish-brown. As mushrooms age, the gills may darken, and in some varieties, they may turn a blackish color, which is a natural part of the aging process and not necessarily a sign of spoilage. However, if the gills appear slimy or sticky, it indicates that the mushroom is past its prime and should be discarded. Additionally, check the stems for dryness or brittleness, as fresh mushroom stems should be somewhat flexible and moist.
It's important to note that even if mushrooms are past their expiration date, they may still be safe to eat if they show no signs of spoilage. However, their texture and flavor may not be as desirable. Always use your best judgment and practice food safety guidelines when handling and consuming mushrooms, or any other perishable food item, past their indicated date.
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How to prevent spoilage
Out-of-date mushrooms can be dangerous, as they may contain bacteria that can cause food poisoning or botulism. However, it is possible to eat out-of-date mushrooms if they show no signs of spoilage. To prevent spoilage, follow these steps:
Firstly, when buying mushrooms, select the freshest ones available. Fresh mushrooms should be dry, firm, and smooth, with a pleasantly earthy smell. Avoid pre-packaged containers and opt for loose mushrooms so you can inspect their quality. Look out for any bruises, dark spots, or slimy and wet appearances, as these are signs that the mushrooms are starting to go bad.
Once you get your mushrooms home, take them out of their original container. Mushrooms need air to survive and thrive, so leaving them in the plastic wrap they often come in will cause them to collect moisture and spoil faster. Instead, store them in a paper bag, which helps absorb moisture and prevents mould from growing. You can also wrap them in a paper towel and then place them in the bag, which will help absorb excess moisture.
Store your mushrooms in the refrigerator, ideally within an hour of purchase. They should be kept on a shelf rather than in a produce drawer, and the temperature should be maintained at under 40 °F (4 °C). If stored correctly, raw mushrooms can last up to 10 days in the fridge, although their quality decreases after the first week. Presliced mushrooms and more delicate varieties may only last 5-7 days or less, so keep a close eye on them and consume them promptly.
Finally, if you can't eat your mushrooms fresh, cook them before freezing them to extend their shelf life. Freezing them fresh will result in a loss of texture and taste.
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Health risks of eating spoiled mushrooms
Mushrooms are a tasty and versatile ingredient, but they can quickly turn from fresh and plump to spoiled and slimy. It's important to know when to draw the line and discard them, as eating spoiled mushrooms can pose several health risks. Here are some key health risks associated with consuming spoiled mushrooms:
- Food Poisoning: Eating spoiled mushrooms can lead to food poisoning. Mushrooms that are past their prime may be contaminated with harmful bacteria, such as Clostridium botulinum, which produces the botulism toxin. This can cause serious illness, including nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and in severe cases, paralysis and respiratory failure.
- Botulism: Botulism is a rare but potentially fatal illness caused by consuming food contaminated with the botulism toxin, as mentioned above. It can lead to symptoms such as blurred vision, difficulty swallowing, and paralysis. While cases of botulism from mushroom consumption are uncommon, it's crucial to take this risk seriously.
- Gastrointestinal Issues: Spoiled mushrooms can cause gastrointestinal distress, including stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. These symptoms can be extremely unpleasant and may lead to dehydration if fluid loss is not properly managed.
- Exposure to Toxins: Some mushrooms produce toxins as they spoil, which can be harmful to the body. These toxins can affect multiple organ systems and lead to a range of symptoms, depending on the type of toxin and the amount consumed.
- Allergic Reactions: While not directly related to spoilage, it's worth noting that some individuals may have allergic reactions to mushrooms. Consuming spoiled mushrooms can potentially trigger or exacerbate these allergic reactions, leading to symptoms such as itching, hives, swelling, and anaphylaxis in severe cases.
To minimize the risk of encountering these health issues, it's important to practice proper mushroom storage and handling. Fresh mushrooms should be stored in a paper bag in the refrigerator, ensuring adequate airflow to prevent moisture buildup and the growth of mold. Before consuming mushrooms, always inspect them for signs of spoilage, such as discoloration, slimyness, or an unpleasant odor. If in doubt, it's always best to discard the mushrooms and opt for fresher produce.
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Best-before dates
Fresh, raw mushrooms can typically last up to 10 days in the fridge, but their quality starts to decrease after the first week. Presliced mushrooms may only last 5 to 7 days when stored correctly, and some delicate varieties may only last a few days. If stored outside of the refrigerator, mushrooms will only last up to a day, depending on the temperature.
To extend the shelf life of mushrooms beyond their best-before date, it is important to store them correctly. Mushrooms should be removed from their original container and placed in a paper bag or wrapped in a paper towel to absorb excess moisture. They should be stored in the refrigerator at a temperature below 40 °F (4 °C).
Even if the best-before date has passed, it may still be safe to consume the mushrooms if they show no signs of spoilage. Signs that mushrooms have gone bad include a slimy texture, an unpleasant odour, discolouration, and the presence of mould. Eating spoiled mushrooms can cause food poisoning or botulism, so it is important to inspect them carefully before consumption.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, eating out-of-date mushrooms can cause food poisoning or botulism. Check for signs of spoilage before consuming them, even if this means cutting short the "best by" or "use by" date.
Mushrooms are spoiled when they become sticky, slimy, shrivelled, fuzzy, or discoloured. They may also give off a strange smell. If you see any of these signs, throw them out.
Mushrooms should be stored in a paper bag in the fridge. This allows them to breathe and prevents the buildup of moisture, which can cause spoilage.
