Emma Wilson
Mushrooms are a versatile ingredient that can elevate the taste of any dish. However, they are perishable and can go bad quickly. So, how do you know if your mushrooms are safe to eat? Are spots on mushrooms okay? This guide will help you identify the signs of spoilage and learn how to store mushrooms properly to prolong their freshness. Knowing these signs is crucial to avoid food poisoning or botulism from consuming spoiled mushrooms.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Bruises or spots | Brown, black, or dark spots are signs of spoilage. Mushrooms with such spots should be discarded. |
| Slimy texture | A slimy coating or sticky surface is a sign of spoilage. |
| Odor | Fresh mushrooms have a slightly sweet and earthy smell. A fishy, sour, pungent, or foul odor indicates spoilage. |
| Discoloration | Mushrooms that are darker in color or have begun to turn brown are likely going bad. |
| Wrinkles or dry patches | Wrinkled or shrivelled mushrooms are going bad. |
| Storage | Mushrooms should be stored in the fridge and used within 4–7 days. They should be stored in a paper bag or paper towel-lined paper bag to reduce moisture and prevent spoilage. |
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What You'll Learn
Slime
While some sources suggest that eating a couple of slimy mushrooms may not make you sick, it is still advised to avoid consuming them. If you decide to eat slimy mushrooms, it is recommended to wash the slime off and cook them. If the mushrooms taste bitter or unpleasant, discard the rest.
To prevent slime from forming, it is suggested to store mushrooms in a paper bag in the fridge, as this allows for airflow and absorbs excess moisture. Alternatively, some sources recommend simply leaving the package open in the fridge.
It is important to note that mushrooms with bruises, dark spots, or a foul smell are likely bad and should be discarded.
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Discolouration
Mushrooms are primarily made of water and need air to survive and thrive before being cooked. They should be stored in the fridge and used within four days, although some mushrooms can start to go bad after a few days. Whole, raw mushrooms will keep for approximately four to seven days in the refrigerator, while sliced mushrooms stored the same way will last for about two to three days.
To prolong the life of mushrooms, some people make dried mushrooms, which can be added to recipes. It is also recommended to avoid adding moisture to mushrooms, as this can cause them to spoil more quickly. Mushrooms should be stored in a paper bag, as plastic bags and sealed containers can speed up spoilage.
If the slime is the only sign of decay, the mushrooms can be salvaged by being cooked in soups, sauces, or chillies. However, if the mushrooms have other signs of decomposition or an unpleasant odour, they should be avoided.
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Bruising
In some mushroom species, such as magic mushrooms or Psilocybe, the discolouration is due to the production of psychotropic compounds like psilocybin and psilocin. A 2024 study by Dirk Hoffmeister and colleagues identified six mushroom pigments that are products of a cascade reaction starting with psilocybin. These pigments are believed to be linked to the blue colour observed in bruised mushrooms. While the exact function of these pigments is unknown, Hoffmeister hypothesises that they may serve a protective role against predators.
It is important to distinguish between bruising and contamination in mushrooms. Bruising usually appears in uniformly coloured areas that have been physically handled or stressed, while contamination can appear in patches with irregular edges and colours like black, pink, or fuzzy textures. Additionally, mycelium growth is typically unaffected in bruised areas, whereas contamination can inhibit growth or cause the mycelium to retreat.
While bruising is generally considered cosmetic, it is believed to influence the potency of psilocybin mushrooms. As psilocin must degrade for bluish bruises to occur, more bluish bruising indicates less active psilocin available to produce psychedelic effects upon consumption. Therefore, when harvesting psilocybin mushrooms, it is recommended to minimise bruising to maintain potency.
It is worth noting that mushroom bruising should not be relied upon solely for identification or edibility determination. While some sources suggest that blue-bruising mushrooms are safe to eat, others caution against consuming any mushrooms with red pore surfaces that bruise blue, as many in this category are toxic. Additionally, discolouration in the form of brown or dark spots is generally considered an indicator of spoilage, and mushrooms exhibiting such spots are recommended to be discarded.
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Smell
When it comes to mushrooms, your senses are your best friend for detecting spoilage. Mushrooms are delicate and should be eaten as soon as possible. If you've had them for over a week, there's a good chance they'll be close to turning bad, if not already.
Fresh mushrooms should have a pleasant, earthy, and slightly sweet smell. If they smell fishy, sour, pungent, or ammonia-like, it's time to toss them. Bad mushrooms can make you sick due to bacteria that has started to form.
Some mushrooms, like the Philiota genus (Chestnut and Nameko), tend to be slimy when harvested and should be firm and smell good. If they look too dry but still smell good, you can use them, but they won't last long.
To store mushrooms, keep them in the fridge and use them within 4 to 7 days. Avoid plastic bags and sealed containers, as the lack of airflow will speed up spoilage. Instead, transfer them to a brown paper bag lined with a paper towel to keep moisture away and maintain freshness.
If you spot any signs of spoilage, such as dark spots, slime, or discoloration, it's best to throw them out. Remember, when in doubt, trust your senses and exercise common sense.
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Storage
Mushrooms are delicate and have a short shelf life. They are prone to bacterial decay, so it's important to store them correctly to avoid food waste and the risk of getting sick.
Firstly, when you buy mushrooms, take them out of their original container. Mushroom packages are often sealed in plastic wrap, which can cause rapid spoilage due to a lack of airflow and increased moisture. Instead, transfer the mushrooms to a brown paper bag and store them in the fridge. The paper bag will help to keep moisture at bay and prevent slimy surfaces. You can also line the paper bag with a paper towel to absorb any excess moisture.
It is best to avoid plastic bags and sealed containers when storing mushrooms, as these can trap moisture and accelerate spoilage. Whole, raw mushrooms stored in a paper bag in the fridge will keep for approximately four to seven days, while sliced mushrooms will last about two to three days.
Additionally, do not store mushrooms in the vegetable drawer of your fridge. These drawers are designed to conserve vegetable moisture, which is not ideal for mushrooms as it can lead to faster spoilage.
Finally, it's important to inspect your mushrooms regularly for any signs of decay, such as discoloration, bruises, or a slimy texture. If you notice any of these indicators, it's best to discard the mushrooms to avoid potential food safety risks.
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Frequently asked questions
Dark spots on mushrooms are a sign that they are starting to go bad. It is recommended that you use them immediately or discard them.
Mushrooms have a short shelf life and can show signs of spoilage quickly. They are best used within 4 to 7 days of purchase.
Aside from spotting, mushrooms that have gone bad may have a slimy texture, an unpleasant odour, or a dry and shrivelled appearance.
Mushrooms should be stored in the fridge in a paper bag with some air allowed in to prevent spoilage from excess moisture.
