Emily Johnson
Mushrooms are a delicious and nutritious addition to any dish. However, it's important to ensure that they are fresh and safe to consume. White mushrooms, also known as button mushrooms, are a common variety found in most grocery stores. While they typically have a mild flavor and can be used in various dishes, one may wonder if these mushrooms develop a fishy odour when raw. Fresh mushrooms generally have a slightly sweet and earthy aroma, but some varieties may exhibit a subtle fishy scent even when raw. This smell can be indicative of spoilage, especially if accompanied by other signs of deterioration.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Smell | Fresh mushrooms should smell earthy and sweet. Bad mushrooms smell fishy, sour, pungent, or like ammonia. |
| Texture | Fresh mushrooms are dry, firm, and smooth. Bad mushrooms are sticky, slimy, shrivelled, and spongey. |
| Colour | Fresh mushrooms are white, brown, or light-coloured. Bad mushrooms have dark spots or are significantly darker. |
| Storage | Fresh mushrooms can be stored in the fridge for 7-10 days. |
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What You'll Learn
Fresh mushrooms should smell earthy, not fishy
Fresh mushrooms should have a pleasant, earthy smell. They should not smell fishy. If they do, it's time to throw them out. Mushrooms are highly perishable and will only last about a week in the fridge, depending on the variety. They should be stored in an open brown paper bag in the fridge crisper drawer to maximise their lifespan.
It's important to note that some mushrooms, such as Chestnuts and Namekos, tend to be slimy even when freshly harvested. When evaluating these varieties, it's best to focus on firmness and smell. If they smell good and are firm, they are likely safe to consume. However, if they have a slimy texture and a fishy odour, they have likely gone bad.
Fresh mushrooms should be dry, firm, and smooth, with a very mild or almost non-existent smell. Bad mushrooms, on the other hand, are softer, sticky, slimy, shrivelled, and may be mouldy and discoloured. They may also have an unpleasant, pungent odour. If your mushrooms exhibit any of these signs, it's best to discard them.
To ensure the freshness of your mushrooms, it's recommended to purchase whole mushrooms that appear plump and firm, free of any signs of spoilage. Sliced mushrooms will spoil more quickly, and their shelf life may only be 5 to 7 days when stored correctly. Additionally, some varieties, like maitake or oyster mushrooms, are more delicate and may only last a few days before showing signs of spoilage.
In summary, fresh mushrooms should smell earthy and pleasant, not fishy. Be sure to inspect your mushrooms for any signs of spoilage and follow proper storage practices to maximise their freshness and longevity.
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Mushrooms can last 7-10 days in the fridge
Fresh mushrooms typically last about 7–10 days in the fridge, depending on the variety and storage method. White or cremini mushrooms, for instance, are usually safe for about 7 days, while other varieties can last up to 10 days or even two weeks.
To ensure the longest possible shelf life, it is important to store mushrooms properly. They should be kept in a porous container that promotes air circulation and prevents moisture buildup, as mushrooms often spoil in damp, sealed environments. One effective method is to wrap the mushrooms loosely in a paper towel, which helps absorb excess moisture, and then place them in an open plastic bag or a brown paper bag in the fridge. This setup allows for ventilation while absorbing any excess moisture.
It is also recommended to store whole mushrooms rather than slicing them before storage, as this can extend their shelf life. Additionally, mushrooms should be stored unwashed. Washing or soaking them before storage can cause them to absorb too much water, leading to faster spoilage. Instead, wipe down the mushrooms with a damp paper towel to remove any dirt or grime.
When it comes to white mushrooms specifically, they may develop a fishy smell, even when raw, which is not always an indication of spoilage. Fresh mushrooms typically have a slightly sweet and earthy aroma, but some varieties can develop a fishy odour due to the presence of certain bacteria. As long as the mushrooms do not exhibit other signs of spoilage, such as a slimy texture, wrinkles, or discolouration, they are likely still safe to consume. However, if the fishy smell persists after cooking, it is best to discard them.
In summary, mushrooms, including white mushrooms, can generally last 7–10 days in the fridge, and sometimes even longer, depending on the storage method and variety. To maximise their shelf life, proper storage techniques, such as using paper towels and porous containers, are crucial. Additionally, while a fishy smell in raw white mushrooms may not always indicate spoilage, it is important to be cautious and assess other sensory and visual cues before consumption.
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Slime on mushrooms indicates bacterial growth
Fresh mushrooms typically have a slightly sweet and earthy smell. However, some mushrooms can develop a fishy odour when they are raw, which may be deceptive. If the mushrooms pass other freshness tests, such as looking and feeling fine, they are likely safe to consume. It is important to note that cooked mushrooms should not smell fishy and should be discarded if they do.
Mushrooms are highly perishable and can quickly spoil if not stored properly. One sign of spoilage is the presence of slime on the mushrooms, which indicates bacterial growth. When mushrooms are left in the refrigerator for too long, they can become contaminated with pathogenic bacteria, such as Listeria monocytogenes, leading to surface microbial growth. This slime is a result of the breakdown of the mushroom's cell wall, which releases moisture. While a slight gloss may be observed on fresh mushrooms, a coating of slime is indicative of spoilage.
The shelf life of fresh mushrooms varies depending on the variety and storage conditions. White, cremini, and portobello mushrooms can usually be stored safely in the refrigerator for up to a week. However, it is recommended to consume them within 3 to 4 days for the best quality. To extend their freshness, it is important to store mushrooms properly. They should be kept in a well-ventilated container in the refrigerator and consumed within a few days. Additionally, it is crucial to maintain mushroom freshness by keeping them below 40 degrees Fahrenheit.
It is important to inspect mushrooms for any signs of spoilage before consumption. In addition to slime, other indicators of spoilage include wrinkles, shrivelled patches, bruises, and discolouration. If the mushrooms exhibit any of these signs or have an unpleasant smell, they should be discarded.
In summary, slime on mushrooms is a clear indication of bacterial growth and spoilage. While some raw mushrooms may naturally have a fishy odour, the presence of slime suggests that they have exceeded their shelf life and are no longer safe for consumption. Proper storage practices and regular inspection can help ensure the freshness and safety of mushrooms.
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Mushrooms should be dry, firm, and smooth
When buying mushrooms, look for those that appear plump, firm, and free of any signs of spoilage. Mushrooms should be dry and crisp, with a slightly sweet and earthy smell. If they smell fishy or pungent, it's time to toss them. This means that the mushrooms are too far gone to eat.
Some mushrooms, such as Chestnuts and Namekos, tend to be slimy even when freshly harvested. When evaluating these mushrooms, they should still be firm, and they should smell good. If your mushrooms look too dry but still smell pleasant, you can use them, but they won't last long. Most mushrooms have a firm stem, but this will soften as they begin to decay.
To prolong the life of your mushrooms, try drying them. Dried mushrooms pack a savory umami flavor when added to recipes. Additionally, you can freeze mushrooms, but this will result in a loss of nutritional value and texture. To freeze mushrooms, wipe them down with a paper towel and store them in an airtight bag. Do not wash the mushrooms before freezing, as the added moisture can cause them to spoil.
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White fuzz on mushrooms is likely mycelium, not mould
Fresh white mushrooms should have a sweet and earthy smell. If they smell fishy or pungent, it is an indication that they have gone bad. Mushrooms can last for about a week in the fridge, but they are usually best eaten within 3 to 4 days. They can go bad within a few days, depending on how long they were sitting at the grocery store.
Now, if you notice white fuzz on your mushrooms, it is likely mycelium, not mould. Mycelium is the vegetative part of a fungus, consisting of a network of fine, thread-like structures called hyphae, which spread through the substrate (the material mushrooms grow on) to absorb nutrients. It is responsible for breaking down organic material, colonizing the substrate, and eventually producing the mushrooms. Mycelium typically appears as a white, fuzzy growth on the surface of the substrate and the developing mushrooms. It is a vital part of the mushroom life cycle and is usually a healthy sign that your mushrooms are growing well.
However, there are times when excessive white fuzz can indicate issues. For example, insufficient light can cause mycelium to continue growing on the surface, leading to the appearance of white fuzz. High humidity and inadequate ventilation can also contribute to excessive mycelium growth on the mushroom caps. If the white fuzz is smothering the mushrooms or growing excessively thick, it could be a sign of over-colonization. Matted or discoloured fuzz, or an unpleasant odour, could indicate contamination by other fungi or bacteria.
Therefore, if your mushrooms have white fuzz, but they still look, feel, and smell fresh, it is likely mycelium, and they are probably safe to eat. However, always exercise caution when consuming mushrooms, as even well-known varieties can cause negative reactions in some individuals.
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Frequently asked questions
White mushrooms can go bad within a few days of purchase. Check for wrinkles, brown spots, or a slimy coating. Fresh mushrooms should be dry, firm, and smooth and have a pleasant earthy smell. If they smell fishy, it's time to toss them.
A fishy smell in mushrooms is caused by bacteria. Different bacteria can cause different odors, but any strange smell means the mushrooms are too far gone to eat.
White mushrooms typically last 7-10 days in the fridge. However, they are best within the first week. After that, their quality decreases.
To prolong the life of white mushrooms, store them in a refrigerator in a brown paper bag in the crisper drawer. Avoid washing or rinsing them before cooking, as the added moisture can cause them to spoil more quickly.
