John Miller
Wild mushrooms are a delicious treat, but they can be a challenge to store. Their high water content and propensity to absorb moisture mean that they quickly become slimy and spoil. The best way to store fresh, wild-picked mushrooms is to keep them in a cool, dry place, like the fridge, with some airflow. It is recommended to place them in a paper bag or a paper towel-lined container, ensuring the mushrooms do not touch each other, and leaving the bag open to allow for air circulation. This will help to absorb any excess moisture and keep the mushrooms fresh for longer. Additionally, it is best to avoid washing the mushrooms before storing them and only do so right before cooking or eating to prevent spoilage.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Storage location | Fridge, counter, freezer |
| Container | Paper bag, cardboard box, bowl, plastic wrap, glass jar, net bag, freezer bag |
| Temperature | Room temperature, max 40 degrees |
| Washing | Wash directly after picking, do not wash before storing |
| Preservation | Drying, freezing |
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What You'll Learn
Storing in a paper bag
Storing wild mushrooms in a paper bag is a good way to keep them fresh for a few days. Paper bags are breathable and absorbent, so they help to prevent moisture build-up and spoilage.
To store wild mushrooms in a paper bag, place the whole, unwashed mushrooms directly into the bag. It is best not to wash mushrooms before storing them, as moisture is the number one enemy of fresh mushrooms. If the mushrooms are very dirty, it is recommended to rinse them and then pat them dry before placing them in the bag. Fold the top of the bag over to seal it. The paper bag will absorb any moisture released by the mushrooms, keeping their surface dry and slime-free.
Paper bags are a good option for storing wild mushrooms in the refrigerator. Place the paper bag, with the mushrooms inside, on a shelf in the fridge. The cool temperature will help to prolong the shelf life of the mushrooms.
It is important to note that storing wild mushrooms in a paper bag is not a long-term storage solution. For longer-term storage, you may want to consider freezing or drying the mushrooms.
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Using a bowl and paper towels
To store fresh, wild-picked mushrooms using a bowl and paper towels, you will need a large bowl, preferably made of glass, and several paper towels.
First, line the bowl with paper towels. Spread out the mushrooms on the paper towels and cover them with another layer of paper towels. The size of the bowl is important—it should be large enough to prevent the mushrooms from being packed tightly together, allowing them to breathe.
The paper towels will help absorb any moisture released by the mushrooms and condensation from the refrigerator. This method is preferable to using plastic wrap, as it allows you to easily check the freshness of the mushrooms without breaking the seal.
Using this method, the mushrooms should stay dry and fresh for about five days. After that, some of the mushrooms may start to develop a slimy film and dark spots.
It is important to note that mushrooms should not be washed before storing, as this can shorten their shelf life. Additionally, avoid placing mushrooms near strong-smelling food, as they can absorb odours.
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Drying mushrooms
Sun-Drying
Arguably the best method for preserving flavour and potency, sun-drying is a great way to dry your mushrooms. It does, however, take a lot longer than other methods and requires the right environment. Place your mushrooms in a spot with lots of sun and a dry environment. Depending on your environment, your mushrooms may never get fully dry. Check on them a few times throughout the day. If, after two days, they are mostly dry but still flexible or have a rubbery feel, finish them off in an oven or dehydrator.
Dehydrator
Using a dehydrator is a common and easy way to dry mushrooms. Place the mushrooms on a drying tray and set the dehydrator to around room temperature, with a maximum temperature of 40°C. Leave them for 12-24 hours, or until they snap cleanly in half, and then store them in airtight containers.
Oven-Drying
Arrange the mushrooms on a baking pan or sheet that is not oiled. Don't pack them so tightly that they're lying on top of each other. Place the sheet in the oven and cook for one hour with the door slightly ajar. After an hour, pull them out, flip them over, and cook for another hour. Repeat this process until they're dry.
Other Tips
- Clean your mushrooms before drying them. Brush off dirt and cut away any infested areas.
- If you're drying your mushrooms in the sun, use a box fan to speed up the process by continually wicking away moisture.
- If you're drying large mushrooms, cut them into smaller pieces to speed up the drying process.
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Freezing mushrooms
Freezing is a great way to store wild mushrooms and preserve their nutrients. It is best to freeze them at the peak of their freshness, as soon as they are picked, to avoid any decay.
Firstly, clean the mushrooms. Lightly brush any visible dirt off the mushrooms with a paper towel, or gently rinse them in cold water and pat them dry. Do not soak the mushrooms, as this will make them mushy once cooked.
Next, prepare the mushrooms for freezing. You can leave small mushrooms whole, but larger ones should be sliced or chopped into equal-sized pieces. This will help them cook more evenly later.
Now you can choose to freeze the mushrooms raw or cooked. Some varieties of mushrooms, such as Hen of the Woods, Maitake, and wild mushrooms in the Suillus genus, are best frozen raw due to their high moisture content. Most other mushrooms can be frozen either raw or cooked.
To freeze raw mushrooms, spread them out on a tray in a single layer and place them in the freezer until they are frozen solid. Then, transfer the mushrooms to a labelled resealable freezer bag, removing as much air as possible before sealing.
If you choose to freeze cooked mushrooms, heat a small amount of butter or oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the mushrooms and cook, stirring frequently, for 2-4 minutes, until they are tender. Allow the mushrooms to cool, then follow the same steps as for raw mushrooms: lay them on a tray, freeze until solid, then transfer to a labelled freezer bag.
Frozen mushrooms will last for up to a year in the freezer and are best used straight from frozen in cooked dishes such as stews, casseroles, pasta bakes, and stir-fries.
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Cleaning and preserving
It is recommended to clean mushrooms as soon as they are foraged to prevent dirt from spreading. A hard mushroom brush can be used to clean them, and a mushroom knife to cut off any infested areas. If the mushrooms are very dirty, rinsing them with water may be necessary, but they should be patted dry immediately after. Mushrooms should not be washed before storing as moisture is the number one enemy when it comes to keeping mushrooms fresh.
To preserve mushrooms, they should be stored in a dry, well-ventilated paper bag or cardboard box in the fridge. The paper bag will absorb any moisture released by the mushrooms, keeping them fresh and slime-free for longer. Alternatively, they can be wrapped in a paper towel and placed in a bowl in the refrigerator.
Another option for preserving mushrooms is to dry them using a dehydrator, oven, radiator, or air-drying. Dried mushrooms should be stored in an airtight glass jar. Freezing is also an option for long-term preservation, but this may compromise the texture of the mushrooms. For the best results, mushrooms should be lightly cooked before freezing.
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Frequently asked questions
Freshly picked wild mushrooms should be stored in a paper bag or cardboard box in the fridge. Wrap a kitchen towel around the bag/box to keep the mushrooms dry while still allowing them to breathe.
Mushrooms shouldn't be washed before storing because moisture is the number one enemy when it comes to keeping mushrooms fresh.
Long-term storage options for mushrooms include freezing and drying. To dry mushrooms, you can use a dehydrator, a radiator, an oven, or air-drying.
Place the mushrooms on a drying tray and set the dehydrator to around room temperature (max 40 degrees). Allow plenty of time for the mushrooms to dry completely.
Lightly saute or steam the mushrooms before placing them in a freezer-safe bag. Frozen mushrooms will last up to 12 months and are best used for flavoring stocks or veggie burgers.
