Laura Smith
Mushrooms are a versatile staple in any kitchen, with their meaty texture and umami flavour. However, their delicate and perishable nature means that storing them can be tricky. The best method for storing mushrooms will keep them free of slime and mould, and can even improve their flavour. In this article, we will explore the different ways to store mushrooms, including in the refrigerator, freezer, or by dehydration. We will also discuss the best practices for maintaining their freshness and quality.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Best way to store | In a brown paper bag or paper towels for storage |
| How to store | Keep them in a dry, cool fridge |
| How long they last | 5 days |
| How to increase shelf life | Put them in a net bag and hang them from a hook or nail |
| How to store sliced mushrooms | Store in an air-tight container in the refrigerator |
| How long sliced mushrooms last | 3 days |
| How to store for long-term | Freeze or dehydrate them |
| How to improve color post-freezing | Dip in a solution of 1 pint water and 1 teaspoon lemon juice before cooking |
| How long frozen mushrooms last | 12 months |
| How to dry mushrooms | Use a dehydrator or air-drying |
| How to store dried mushrooms | Store in an airtight glass jar |
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What You'll Learn
Use a paper bag
Mushrooms are a versatile staple in any kitchen, with their meaty texture and umami flavour. However, their delicate and perishable nature makes storing them a tricky business. The secret to storing button mushrooms is to ensure they are kept dry and well-ventilated to prevent spoilage.
Using a paper bag is an effective way to store button mushrooms and extend their shelf life. Paper bags are breathable and help to absorb the moisture that mushrooms naturally release, preventing them from becoming slimy. This method is preferable to plastic bags, which can trap moisture and cause the mushrooms to spoil due to mould, discoloration, and slime.
To use this method, place the button mushrooms in a brown paper bag, either with or without paper towels. The paper towels can help to absorb excess moisture, but are not necessary. Leave the top of the bag open to allow for airflow, and place the bag in the refrigerator. Avoid storing mushrooms in the crisper drawer of the fridge, as this environment tends to be too moist.
By using a paper bag, you can expect to keep your button mushrooms fresh for up to 10 days, which is significantly longer than the typical shelf life of 5 days. This storage method not only prolongs the shelf life of the mushrooms but can also improve their flavour.
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Keep them dry
Mushrooms are a versatile ingredient, but they can be challenging to store due to their high water content. To keep them dry, there are several methods you can use:
Paper Bags
Paper bags are a popular choice for storing mushrooms. They allow mushrooms to breathe and absorb any excess moisture released by the mushrooms, preventing them from becoming slimy. It is recommended to use a brown paper bag and keep it folded at the top to seal in the mushrooms. If using a regular paper bag, you can line it with a paper towel to absorb moisture. Paper bags are particularly useful if you plan to store mushrooms for a few days or up to a week.
Paper Towels
If you don't have a paper bag, you can wrap the mushrooms in a paper towel and place them in a bowl or container in the refrigerator. Paper towels absorb excess moisture and help keep the mushrooms dry. This method is especially useful if you need to store sliced mushrooms, as they tend to dry out faster.
Air-Drying
Air-drying is a long-term storage method that involves placing mushrooms in a mesh container with good airflow for about a week. Once they are completely dry, store them in an airtight glass jar. Dried mushrooms have an intense umami flavor and can be reconstituted for use in soups, stews, sauces, or stir-fries.
Refrigerator
The refrigerator is an ideal location for storing mushrooms, as it helps maintain the recommended temperature of 40–45 °F (4–7 °C). When storing mushrooms in the refrigerator, it is best to use a partially open plastic bag or an open container to allow airflow and prevent moisture buildup.
Freezing
If you have an abundance of mushrooms, you can cook them lightly (sauté or steam) and then freeze them in freezer-safe bags. Freezing is a useful method for long-term preservation, although it may affect the texture of the mushrooms. Frozen mushrooms are best suited for flavoring stocks or veggie burgers rather than frying.
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Avoid plastic
It is best to avoid plastic when storing button mushrooms, as plastic traps moisture, which can cause discoloration, mould, and slime. Mushrooms are highly perishable and need to be stored correctly to prevent rotting or drying out.
Firstly, it is important to note that mushrooms should not be washed before storage, as this can reduce their shelf life. If you are pan-frying, simply rub them with a damp paper towel or brush them with a pastry brush.
Secondly, when storing button mushrooms, it is best to use a brown paper bag, with or without paper towels. Paper bags are breathable and will prevent the mushrooms from spoiling too quickly. This method will also help to extend their shelf life.
Thirdly, if you are using a plastic bag, ensure that it stays partially open. If the bag is closed completely, the mushrooms can spoil quickly. Alternatively, you can wrap the mushrooms in paper towels and place them in an open plastic bag. This method provides some protection while still allowing airflow.
Finally, another option is to use a net bag, similar to those used for onions, and hang the bag from a hook or nail. This method allows for airflow and will prevent the mushrooms from rotting. If placed near a window, the mushrooms will also absorb vitamin D.
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Freeze them
While button mushrooms can be frozen raw, they may have a better texture if cooked before freezing. To freeze them raw, trim their stems, brush off any visible dirt, and place them in a freezer bag. Squeeze out as much air as possible before sealing the bag and placing it in the freezer. They can be stored this way for up to three months but are best used within a couple of months.
To cook button mushrooms before freezing, clean the freshest mushrooms you can find, avoiding any with dark spots, shrivelled ones, or those with an unpleasant odour. Chop the mushrooms into small pieces or slivers that are less than 1/2-inch thick. Heat a little oil or butter in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add the mushrooms and cook, stirring often, until they first release their liquid and then reabsorb it. You can also prepare the mushrooms by steaming them first. Allow the cooked mushrooms to cool to room temperature, then transfer them to small freezer containers or bags in layers no more than 1/2-inch thick.
Freezing mushrooms may help keep them longer, but it could affect their quality, texture, and nutritional value. Frozen mushrooms are best used to flavour stocks or chopped into veggie burgers rather than fried as a pasta topping. They can be added to dishes straight from the freezer, such as stews, casseroles, pasta bakes, and stir-fries.
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Dehydrate them
Dehydrating button mushrooms is a great way to preserve them for the long term. Dried mushrooms can be stored for at least a year, and even longer if you use airtight glass jars. They make a great addition to your pantry and are perfect for camping and backpacking trips.
To dehydrate button mushrooms, you'll first want to make sure they are properly cleaned. Use a damp kitchen towel to gently wipe any dirt or grit off the mushrooms. Avoid washing them with water as this can cause them to darken during the dehydrating process. Remove any tough stems with a paring knife or tear them off by hand. Next, slice the mushrooms into pieces that are about 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick. The thicker the slices, the longer they will take to dry. Arrange the cleaned and sliced mushrooms on the dehydrator trays, ensuring that none of the pieces overlap. This allows for the best airflow, and they will dry faster and more evenly. If you want to fit as many mushrooms as possible on the tray, you can place them very close together as long as the edges aren't touching.
Dry the sliced mushrooms at 110 F (or between 110 F and 120 F) until they are crispy and dry. This process typically takes 4 to 6 hours for 1/4-inch slices and up to 8 hours for thicker slices. For the best results, always follow the specific instructions that come with your dehydrator. Once the mushrooms are dried, allow them to cool completely before transferring them to sanitized glass jars with tight-fitting lids. Label the jars with the contents and date of drying, and store them away from direct light and heat.
To use your dehydrated button mushrooms, simply pour boiling water over them in a heat-proof bowl and soak them for 20 to 30 minutes. You can use the rehydrated mushrooms just like fresh mushrooms, and the soaking liquid can be saved for soup stocks and sauces.
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Frequently asked questions
It is best to store button mushrooms in a brown paper bag or paper towels for storage. Avoid washing mushrooms before storing them to extend their shelf life.
Button mushrooms should be used within a week of purchase. It is best to eat them within five days of purchasing.
Yes, you can freeze button mushrooms. It is recommended to lightly cook them before freezing to preserve their quality and flavour. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 12 months.
Button mushrooms should be stored in a cool, dry place. They can be kept at room temperature if they are stored in a well-ventilated area and used within a few days.
