Emma Wilson
Mushrooms are a versatile ingredient used in cooking, especially in Asian and European cuisines. They are a part of the fungi kingdom and have a short shelf life. Proper storage can extend their usability and keep them fresh. So, do you refrigerate button mushrooms? The answer is yes, you can refrigerate button mushrooms. In fact, the refrigerator is the best place to store mushrooms. However, the spot you choose within the refrigerator impacts preservation. It is recommended to store mushrooms in a breathable container like a basket, cardboard box, or paper bag.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Refrigeration | Refrigeration is the best way to store button mushrooms |
| Container | Store in a basket, cardboard box, or paper bag. Do not store in plastic bags or containers |
| Moisture | Avoid moisture. Use paper towels to absorb excess moisture |
| Whole mushrooms | Consume within 7-10 days of purchase |
| Sliced mushrooms | Consume within 3-7 days of purchase |
| Cooked mushrooms | Can be stored for 7-10 days |
| Freezing | Can be frozen, but will lose structure and become mushy. Cook, blanch, sauté, poach, or steam before freezing |
| Drying | Can be dried with a dehydrator or by air-drying. Can be stored for up to 3 years |
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What You'll Learn
Refrigeration
Fresh button mushrooms have a short shelf life and can last up to a week outside of refrigeration. However, refrigeration is the best way to keep them fresh for longer. Inside a refrigerator, fresh mushrooms can last up to two weeks, depending on the variety of mushrooms and their storage conditions.
It is important to store mushrooms in a breathable container, such as a basket, cardboard box, or paper bag, rather than plastic bags or containers, as plastic traps moisture and can cause discoloration, mould, and slime. Paper bags are ideal as they absorb excess moisture and maintain freshness. It is also recommended to avoid washing mushrooms before storing them, as moisture is the number-one enemy when it comes to keeping mushrooms fresh. Instead, wipe down the mushrooms with a damp paper towel to remove any dirt or grime.
Whole mushrooms can be stored in an open paper bag with paper towels to absorb excess moisture. They should be consumed within seven to ten days of purchase. Sliced mushrooms should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator and consumed within three days. Cooked mushrooms can be stored in an airtight container like any other cooked food and have a shelf life of seven to ten days.
If you want to keep mushrooms for longer, you can freeze or dry them. Freezing mushrooms can cause them to lose their structure and become mushy, so it is recommended to cook, blanch, sauté, poach, or steam them before freezing. Dried mushrooms can be stored at room temperature and have an indefinite shelf life.
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Freezing
While button mushrooms can be stored in the refrigerator for up to two weeks, freezing is an option if you want to store them for longer. Freezing mushrooms can extend their shelf life, but it's important to note that fresher mushrooms tend to freeze better, so it's best to freeze them sooner rather than later. Here is a step-by-step guide to freezing button mushrooms:
Step 1: Prepare the Mushrooms
Before freezing, it is recommended to briefly cook the mushrooms to help preserve their quality and flavor. Lightly sauté them in butter until just cooked, or steam them whole for about 5 minutes. Quartered or sliced mushrooms can be steamed for about 3 minutes. For improved color post-freezing, you can dip the mushrooms in a solution of 1 pint of water and 1 teaspoon of lemon juice before cooking.
Step 2: Cool and Freeze
After cooking, allow the mushrooms to cool completely. Spread them out on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet and place them in the freezer until they are frozen solid.
Step 3: Transfer to Airtight Container
Once the mushrooms are frozen, transfer them to an airtight container or vacuum-sealed plastic bag. This helps to prevent freezer burn and maintain their quality.
Step 4: Thawing and Usage
When you are ready to use the frozen mushrooms, simply take out the desired amount and thaw them. Frozen mushrooms may have a softer texture and may be mushy when thawed, so they are best suited for cooked dishes rather than raw applications.
It's important to note that frozen mushrooms should be cooked before consumption. Additionally, they may not have the same texture as fresh mushrooms, but they can still be a convenient option for extending the shelf life of button mushrooms.
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Drying
To dry mushrooms, you can use a dehydrator, or you can air-dry them. For air-drying, place the mushrooms in a mesh container with good airflow, such as a circular mesh strainer, for about a week. Make sure the mushrooms are completely dry before storing them. Once dry, store them in an airtight glass jar. They can be kept at room temperature, in a pantry or on a countertop, and will last for up to three years if stored properly.
Dried mushrooms have an intense umami flavour and can be reconstituted in soups, stews, sauces, or stir-fries. They are a great way to add flavour and texture to your dishes.
It is important to note that mushrooms should not be stored in plastic bags or containers as these trap moisture, leading to discolouration, mould, and slime. Instead, use a breathable container such as a basket, cardboard box, or paper bag to promote air circulation and absorb excess moisture.
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Containers
When it comes to storing button mushrooms, it's important to remember that they have a short shelf life and are highly perishable. The containers used for storage play a crucial role in maintaining freshness and prolonging their usability. Here are some guidelines for selecting the right containers:
Breathable and Porous Containers
It is recommended to store fresh button mushrooms in breathable containers that promote air circulation. Baskets, cardboard boxes, and paper bags are ideal options. These materials allow air to circulate, preventing the buildup of moisture that can lead to spoilage. Avoid using plastic bags or plastic-wrapped containers, as plastic traps moisture and creates an environment conducive to discoloration, mould, and slime formation.
Paper Towels for Absorbing Moisture
To further enhance the storage conditions, consider using paper towels. Wrapping the mushrooms loosely in a paper towel helps absorb excess moisture, which is crucial as mushrooms have a high water content. This simple technique can significantly extend their shelf life.
Wide Containers for Proper Airflow
When choosing a container, opt for a wide rather than a tall one. This shape ensures that the mushrooms are not stacked on top of each other, allowing for better airflow and preventing them from being crushed or damaged. Proper airflow is essential in maintaining the quality of the mushrooms.
Airtight Containers for Sliced and Cooked Mushrooms
If you are storing sliced mushrooms or cooked mushrooms, it is recommended to use airtight containers. Transferring them to airtight containers will help maintain their freshness and prevent spoilage. Sliced mushrooms have a shorter shelf life than whole mushrooms, so proper storage is crucial.
Glass Jars for Marinated Mushrooms
For a unique preservation method, you can try marinating mushrooms in olive oil, lemon juice, and spices, and then sealing them in glass jars. This process can extend the shelf life of mushrooms to up to two weeks. The marinating liquid adds flavour and creates a unique culinary ingredient.
Vacuum-Sealed Bags for Frozen Mushrooms
If you plan to freeze your mushrooms, it is essential to first cook or blanch them to preserve their texture and flavour. After freezing them on a baking sheet, transfer the frozen mushrooms to a vacuum-sealed plastic bag. This storage method will help prevent freezer burn and maintain their quality.
In summary, the choice of container for storing button mushrooms is crucial to preserving their freshness and extending their shelf life. By using breathable materials, absorbing excess moisture, and selecting containers that promote airflow, you can effectively maintain the quality of these versatile fungi.
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Shelf life
Fresh button mushrooms have a short shelf life. They can last up to a week without refrigeration, and up to two weeks in the refrigerator. However, it is recommended to consume them within five days of purchase for the best quality.
To extend the shelf life of button mushrooms, it is important to store them properly. Moisture is the biggest enemy of mushroom freshness, so they should not be washed before storing. Instead, wipe them down with a damp paper towel to remove any dirt. It is also recommended to store them in a breathable container like a basket, cardboard box, or paper bag. Plastic bags or containers should be avoided as they trap moisture, leading to discolouration, mould, and slime.
If you want to store mushrooms for longer, you can consider freezing or drying them. For freezing, it is recommended to cook, blanch, sauté, poach, or steam them first to help lock in their texture and flavour. Then, freeze them on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet until solid before transferring them to an airtight, vacuum-sealed plastic bag. Frozen mushrooms can last for a few months. For drying, you can use a dehydrator or air-drying technique, which involves placing the mushrooms in a mesh container with good airflow for about a week. Properly dried mushrooms can last indefinitely.
In addition to proper storage, the shelf life of button mushrooms can also depend on the variety and storage conditions. Different species have different rates of decomposition, and hot climates can shorten their shelf life. It is always important to inspect mushrooms for any signs of spoilage, such as slime or discolouration, mould, or unpleasant odours, before consuming them.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, button mushrooms should be stored in the refrigerator.
Button mushrooms can last anywhere from 1-2 weeks in the refrigerator.
Button mushrooms should be stored in a breathable container like a basket, cardboard box, or paper bag. It's important to avoid plastic bags or containers as they can cause discolouration, mould, and slime.
Button mushrooms can be stored outside of the refrigerator for up to a week. They can also be frozen, dried, or marinated in olive oil and stored in a glass jar.
