Emma Wilson
Keeping white mushrooms fresh can be challenging due to their high water content, which can lead to rotting or drying out. To prevent this, mushrooms must be kept dry and stored in the refrigerator. One effective method is to wrap them in paper towels and place them in a bowl or open plastic bag in the fridge. Alternatively, placing them in a paper bag, such as a brown paper bag, can help absorb moisture and keep the mushrooms fresh for 7-10 days. For longer-term storage, mushrooms can be frozen, pickled, or dried using a dehydrator.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Container | Paper bag, plastic wrap, glass bowl, net bag, freezer bag |
| Washing | Wash before cooking, not before storing |
| Preservation | Refrigeration, freezing, dehydration, pickling |
| Storage Time | 5-10 days in the refrigerator, up to 1 year in the freezer |
| Other Tips | Buy loose mushrooms, keep them dry, store in a dark area |
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What You'll Learn
Store in a paper bag in the fridge
To keep white mushrooms fresh, one of the best methods is to store them in a paper bag in the fridge. This method keeps the mushrooms dry and fresh for the first five days, after which they may develop a thin layer of slime. This method is preferred by food writer Harold McGee in his book On Food and Cooking.
To use this storage method, transfer the mushrooms from their original container to a brown paper bag and place it in the fridge. The paper bag will absorb any moisture, keeping the mushrooms safe to eat. It is important to note that mushrooms should not be washed before storing them, as introducing added moisture will decrease their longevity. Instead, use a brush or cloth to gently wipe away any visible dirt.
If you do not have a brown paper bag, another option is to wrap the mushrooms in a paper towel and place them in a bowl or container in the refrigerator. This will also help to absorb any excess moisture and keep the mushrooms fresh.
Additionally, it is recommended to buy loose mushrooms instead of pre-packaged ones, as this allows you to select the best-looking mushrooms and minimize the need for long-term storage. Whole mushrooms also tend to stay fresh longer than pre-sliced mushrooms.
By following these simple tips, you can effectively keep your white mushrooms fresh and tasty for longer.
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Wrap in paper towels
Wrapping white mushrooms in paper towels is an effective way to keep them fresh. Paper towels absorb excess moisture, preventing the mushrooms from becoming slimy and rotten.
To use this method, spread out the mushrooms in a bowl lined with paper towels. Cover them with another layer of paper towels and place them in the refrigerator. This setup allows for easy daily freshness checks.
While paper towels help maintain freshness, they may not be as effective as other methods for long-term storage. For extended preservation, consider using a brown paper bag, which can absorb moisture and keep the mushrooms dry for up to 7-10 days in the refrigerator.
Additionally, it is important to note that the shelf life of mushrooms can be influenced by factors such as their initial quality and the temperature of the storage environment. For optimal freshness, it is recommended to purchase fresh mushrooms from a local grower or forager and store them promptly in the refrigerator.
Overall, wrapping white mushrooms in paper towels is a simple and effective way to maintain their freshness for a few days, but for longer storage, combining this method with other techniques, such as using a brown paper bag, may yield better results.
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Freeze them
Freezing is an effective way to preserve the freshness of white mushrooms for up to nine months. It is recommended to freeze mushrooms at their peak freshness to lock in nutrients, flavour, and texture.
Before freezing, it is important to clean the mushrooms thoroughly. Avoid washing them, as this can make them soggy and susceptible to freezer burn. Instead, brush or wipe off any dirt. You can also trim the ends of the stems.
Next, slice the mushrooms into evenly sized pieces. Smaller mushrooms can be left whole, while larger ones should be cut into similar-sized chunks. This ensures even cooking and freezing.
There are two recommended methods for preparing mushrooms for freezing:
Steam Blanching:
Soak the mushrooms in a mixture of water and lemon juice to prevent discolouration during the blanching process. Bring a pot of water to a boil and place a steamer basket containing the mushrooms inside. Steam the mushrooms for 2-5 minutes, depending on their size. Immediately transfer the mushrooms to a bowl of ice water for the same amount of time, then drain and pat them dry.
Sautéing:
Add a small amount of hot oil or butter to a large skillet or frying pan and heat it to a medium-high temperature. Place the mushrooms in the pan and cook for approximately 5 minutes, stirring frequently, until they are almost fully cooked and tender but not squishy. Remove the mushrooms from the pan and let them cool on a paper towel or plate.
Once the mushrooms are cooled, it is time to freeze them. Spread them out on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet and place them in the freezer for about an hour, or until they are completely frozen. Finally, transfer the frozen mushrooms to airtight, freezer-safe bags or containers, removing as much air as possible.
Frozen mushrooms can be added directly to recipes that will be heated, or they can be thawed in the refrigerator before use. They are ideal for soups, casseroles, pasta bakes, stir-fries, and blended dishes.
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Dehydrate them
Dehydrating mushrooms is a great way to keep them fresh for longer. This method is ideal for those who want to preserve their mushrooms for up to a year. The process involves using a dehydrator or an oven to remove moisture from the mushrooms, which inhibits the growth of bacteria and mould. Here is a detailed guide on how to dehydrate mushrooms:
Preparation
Firstly, ensure that you select fresh mushrooms that are free from any signs of decay, mould, or bruising. Clean the mushrooms thoroughly with a quick rinse, using a vegetable or mushroom brush to remove any dirt. Do not skip this step as it is important to wash away any potential bacteria.
Dehydrating
After cleaning, slice the mushrooms into pieces. The thickness of the slices will determine the drying time, with thicker slices requiring a longer drying time. Arrange the mushroom slices on drying trays, ensuring that none of the pieces overlap to allow for optimal airflow. If using a dehydrator, set the temperature to 110°F (43°C) and dry until the mushrooms are crispy, typically taking 4 to 8 hours. If using an oven, set the temperature to 140°F (60°C) and dry for 8 to 10 hours, monitoring closely towards the end to prevent scorching.
Conditioning
Once the mushrooms are dried, allow them to cool completely before conditioning. Loosely place the dried mushrooms in large plastic or glass containers, filling them about two-thirds full. Lightly cover the containers and store them in a dry, well-ventilated place for 4 to 10 days. Stir or shake the containers daily to separate the pieces and ensure even conditioning. If moisture forms, return the mushrooms to the drying trays and repeat the conditioning step.
Storage
After successful conditioning, transfer the dried mushrooms to clean, dry glass jars or airtight containers. Label the jars with the type of mushroom and the date of drying. Store the jars away from direct light and heat, and your mushrooms will remain fresh for up to a year. To use the dehydrated mushrooms, simply soak them in boiling water for 20 to 30 minutes until they rehydrate.
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Buy fresh mushrooms
When buying fresh mushrooms, it is important to consider how you will store them to keep them fresh for as long as possible. Mushrooms should be stored in the fridge to keep them fresh for several days or even up to a week. If you buy mushrooms pre-packaged, no additional preparation is needed. However, if you buy loose mushrooms, it is recommended to wrap them in paper towels placed in open plastic bags or, even better, paper bags, and then store them in the fridge. You can also store them in a net bag, such as the kind that onions are often packaged in, and hang the bag from a hook or nail. If they are exposed to sunlight, they will absorb vitamin D.
If you want to keep mushrooms for future use, you can mince them and saute them with onions, garlic, brandy, and herbs, then puree them as a duxelle, which can be frozen and used as a base for pasta filling, sauce, spread, or pate. Another option is to slice them, toss them in oil, soy sauce, powdered garlic, and herbs, and toast them as a bacon substitute, which will keep in the fridge for weeks.
There are several online retailers that sell fresh mushrooms, including D'Artagnan, Regalis Foods, and R&R Cultivation. D'Artagnan offers a range of wild and cultivated mushrooms that are handpicked by experienced foragers from around the world, as well as organic options. Regalis Foods is a New York City-based purveyor of fresh truffles, wild foraged edibles, and live seafood, among other specialty products. R&R Cultivation sells fresh gourmet mushrooms, including black pearl, chestnut, golden oyster, lion's mane, and shiitake mushrooms, and offers monthly fresh mushroom subscriptions.
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Frequently asked questions
White mushrooms should be stored in a paper bag in the refrigerator. The paper bag will absorb excess moisture, keeping the mushrooms fresh for longer.
Fresh mushrooms should be used within a week of purchase. Sliced mushrooms should be used within three days.
Mushrooms should not be stored in their original packaging for longer than three days. The plastic traps moisture, which can cause the mushrooms to spoil more quickly.
Mushrooms can be dehydrated and stored in a mason jar. They can also be frozen, but this may affect their texture.
