Storing Mushrooms: Best Practices And Tips

Mushrooms are a versatile ingredient, but they can be expensive and have a short shelf life. To prevent waste, it is important to know how to store them properly. The best storage method will keep mushrooms fresh and improve their flavour.

Store mushrooms in a paper bag

Storing mushrooms in a paper bag is an effective way to keep them fresh and prevent them from spoiling. Mushrooms are delicate and perishable, with a high moisture content, so the key to successful storage is to maintain dryness and prevent moisture build-up.

Firstly, it is important to note that mushrooms should not be washed before storing, as moisture is the number-one enemy when it comes to keeping mushrooms fresh. Instead, it is best to keep mushrooms dry and wait until you are ready to use them before washing or cleaning them.

Secondly, avoid storing mushrooms in plastic containers or plastic bags, as plastic traps moisture, leading to quicker spoilage. Mushrooms are best stored in a breathable paper bag, which allows for better airflow and creates a less damp environment. A brown paper bag is ideal, as it keeps moisture at bay. For added protection against moisture, line the paper bag with a paper towel to absorb any excess moisture.

When storing mushrooms in a paper bag, it is recommended to keep them in the main section of the refrigerator, rather than the crisper drawer, as this tends to be too moist and humid for optimal mushroom storage. The bottom shelf of the refrigerator is a good option.

With this storage method, mushrooms can last for up to 10 days, remaining fresh and slime-free. This simple technique can significantly extend the shelf life of mushrooms, making them a more versatile and cost-effective ingredient to incorporate into your meals.

Keep them in the fridge

Keeping mushrooms in the fridge is a great way to prolong their shelf life. However, it is important to avoid the crisper drawer of the fridge as this part tends to be too moist for storing mushrooms. Instead, keep them in the main section of the refrigerator.

If you've bought loose mushrooms, the best way to keep them fresh for longer is to store them in a brown paper bag. The paper bag will absorb the moisture that mushrooms naturally release, preventing them from getting slimy. You can also line the bag with a paper towel to absorb even more moisture.

If you've already sliced the mushrooms, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Sliced mushrooms should be used within three days.

If you're unable to use mushrooms within a week, consider freezing them. To do this, lightly sauté or steam them before placing them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Frozen mushrooms can be stored 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 indefinitely extending their shelf life. To dry mushrooms, use a dehydrator or air-drying technique, which involves placing them in a mesh container with good airflow for about a week. Once they are completely dry, store them in an airtight glass jar.

Avoid moisture

Mushrooms are highly perishable, with a short shelf life, and are susceptible to slime formation, wrinkling, and moulding. They are composed of 80-90% water and have a porous texture, which means they readily absorb and release water. Therefore, the goal of mushroom storage is to prevent moisture uptake and release.

Firstly, avoid washing mushrooms before storing them, as this will shorten their shelf life by encouraging slime formation. It is best to keep mushrooms dry when storing them and only wash them directly before preparing, cooking, eating, or using them in recipes.

Secondly, avoid storing mushrooms in plastic containers or bags, as plastic traps moisture, encouraging the growth of slime and mould. Instead, transfer mushrooms to a brown paper bag, which will absorb the moisture released by the mushrooms, keeping their surface dry and slime-free. For extra protection against moisture, line the bag with a paper towel.

Thirdly, do not store mushrooms in the crisper drawer of the refrigerator, as this environment is too moist. Instead, place the paper bag on a shelf in the main section of the refrigerator, ensuring good airflow around the mushrooms.

Finally, if you have a surplus of mushrooms and cannot use them within a few days, consider freezing them. However, freezing may compromise their texture, so it is best to use thawed mushrooms in stocks or veggie burgers rather than frying them. To prepare mushrooms for freezing, lightly cook them by sautéing in butter or steaming, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. For optimal colour, dip the mushrooms in a solution of one pint of water and one teaspoon of lemon juice before cooking. Frozen mushrooms can be stored for up to 12 months.

Freeze mushrooms

Freezing is a great way to store mushrooms and avoid waste. Mushrooms are highly perishable, so freezing them at their peak freshness can extend their shelf life by up to a year.

Before freezing, it is important to clean the mushrooms thoroughly. Avoid washing them, as this can make them soggy, and instead, scrub and brush them to remove any dirt. You can then slice or quarter the mushrooms, or leave them whole if they are small. Some sources recommend steaming or blanching the mushrooms before freezing to preserve their nutrients and prevent discolouration. To do this, add a teaspoon of lemon juice to a bowl of water and bring it to a boil. Place the mushrooms in a steam basket and steam for 2-5 minutes, depending on their size. Then, plunge the mushrooms into iced water for the same amount of time, drain them, and pat them dry.

Once the mushrooms are prepared, spread them on a tray and freeze them until solid. Then, transfer the mushrooms to a labelled, resealable freezer bag, removing as much air as possible. Frozen mushrooms are best used within 2-3 months and should be cooked straight from frozen. They can be added to dishes like stews, casseroles, pasta bakes, and stir-fries.

It is also possible to freeze cooked mushrooms. Lightly sautéing or roasting them in butter or oil before freezing can help preserve their quality and flavour. However, freezing raw mushrooms is not recommended as it can affect their texture and nutritional value.

Dry mushrooms

Dried mushrooms are best stored in a cool, dark place. If you are storing dried mushrooms in a cabinet, make sure the cabinet is dark and cool. Light and oxygen will cause dried mushrooms to degrade faster, so it's best to minimise exposure as much as possible.

To store dried mushrooms, place them into either a plastic or glass container with a tight-fitting lid. Containers that work well include plastic resealable bags, glass canning jars (such as Mason jars), and airtight bottles. If you are using resealable plastic bags, make sure they are designed for freezer use.

If you live in a particularly humid climate, you can use oxygen-absorbing packets in your resealable bags or jars. These packets contain iron powder that absorbs oxygen, keeping food from spoiling for longer.

If you are not using dried mushrooms frequently, it may be easy to forget how long they have been in the freezer. Label your container with the date. Dried mushrooms last a long time, especially if kept in the refrigerator or freezer—up to 12 months!

Frequently asked questions