Maintain Mushroom Freshness With These Simple Hacks

Mushrooms are a versatile ingredient, but they can be a challenge to store. Their high water content (up to 90%) means they are prone to moisture build-up, which can lead to slime and spoilage. The key to keeping mushrooms fresh is to strike a balance between ventilation and humidity. Plastic containers or bags can trap moisture, so it is recommended to use paper bags or beeswax wraps to absorb excess moisture and allow mushrooms to breathe. Refrigeration is also important, with temperatures between 40-45 °F (4-7 °C) being ideal. Additionally, buying loose mushrooms allows you to select the freshest ones and purchase the exact quantity needed, reducing the need for long-term storage.

Store in a paper bag with a paper towel

Keeping mushrooms fresh can be tricky because they have a very high moisture content. Storing them in their original packaging, usually plastic, can trap moisture and cause quicker spoilage. The key to keeping mushrooms fresh for as long as possible is to store them in a brown paper bag with a paper towel.

The paper bag should be left open, and the mushrooms should be placed on a shelf in the fridge, not in the crisper drawer, which tends to be the most humid part. The paper towel will absorb the moisture that the mushrooms naturally release, preventing them from getting slimy. The bag should be lined with a paper towel, and the mushrooms can be spread out on top, with another layer of paper towel placed over them. This method allows you to check the freshness of the mushrooms daily.

This method is preferable to using a plastic bag, which can trap moisture and cause the mushrooms to spoil. It is also better than simply using a bowl covered with plastic wrap, as this can also cause the mushrooms to become slimy.

For short-term storage, the original packaging is fine if you plan to eat the mushrooms within a day or two of purchasing them. However, if you want them to stay fresh for a week or more, it is worth transferring them to a paper bag with a paper towel.

Avoid the crisper drawer

When it comes to storing mushrooms, it's important to avoid keeping them in the crisper drawer of your refrigerator. Crisper drawers are designed to keep certain types of produce fresh by maintaining a higher humidity level. However, mushrooms thrive in dry, cool, and dark environments. Placing them in the crisper drawer can accelerate their deterioration. The excessive moisture in the crisper drawer can cause mushrooms to become slimy and spoil faster.

Instead of relying on the crisper drawer, opt for storing your mushrooms in the main body of the refrigerator. Place them in a paper bag, which allows for some air circulation while still maintaining the cool, dark environment mushrooms prefer. Alternatively, you can use a cloth or brown paper bag. These materials are breathable and will help to absorb excess moisture, keeping your mushrooms dry and fresh for longer.

If you have a large batch of mushrooms to store, it's best to spread them out in a single layer on a lined baking sheet or tray. Cover them loosely with a cloth or paper towel and then place the entire tray in the refrigerator. This method ensures that your mushrooms stay dry and don't become overcrowded, which can lead to faster spoilage.

By avoiding the crisper drawer and employing these alternative storage methods, you can extend the freshness of your mushrooms for up to a week or even longer. It's important to check on them regularly and remove any that show signs of spoilage to prevent the spread to the rest of the batch. With proper storage, you can enjoy your mushrooms for longer and minimize food waste.

Don't wash mushrooms before storing

When it comes to keeping mushrooms fresh, moisture is the number one enemy. Mushrooms are quick to spoil because they have a very high moisture content. Storing them in their original packaging, which is usually plastic, can trap moisture and cause quicker spoilage.

Therefore, it is not recommended to wash mushrooms before storing them. Washing mushrooms before storing them can make them waterlogged, affecting their taste and texture. Mushrooms should be slightly crispy and browned on the outside and tender on the inside for maximum flavour and best texture.

However, it is important to clean mushrooms before cooking or eating them. The best method for cleaning mushrooms depends on the type of mushroom. Wild mushrooms, for example, chanterelles or black trumpets, are usually full of forest debris like bugs, wood chips, and pine needles. Therefore, they require a more rigorous cleaning. Rinse them under warm water, clean them with your fingers or a brush, and then lay them out to dry on paper or kitchen towels for an hour or so. Make sure they are fully dry before cooking.

Cultivated mushrooms, like buttons and portobellos, can be cleaned using a damp cloth or paper towel to wipe off the excess 'dirt' they are grown in. Commercial mushrooms are typically grown in heat-treated compost that is practically sterile, so they do not require extensive washing.

Don't store in original packaging

Mushrooms have a high water content (80-90%) and are also sponges to other moisture. This means that combating that moisture is key to keeping them fresh. Mushrooms are often stored in their original packaging, which is usually a plastic container or wrapping. However, this can trap moisture and cause quicker spoilage.

The best way to store mushrooms is in a paper bag, which absorbs the moisture that mushrooms naturally release, preventing them from getting slimy. A brown paper bag is recommended, lined with a paper towel to absorb any excess moisture. The bag should be left open, and the mushrooms placed on a shelf in the fridge, rather than in the crisper drawer, which tends to be the most humid part.

This method allows for ventilation and means that the mushrooms can be checked daily for freshness. It is a significant improvement on storing mushrooms in their original packaging, where they will quickly become slimy and develop dark spots.

For short-term storage, the original package is fine. If you plan on eating your mushrooms within a day or two, or even three, of purchasing them, it is fine to keep them in their original packaging, which is designed to breathe and be durable.

Keep mushrooms in the fridge

Keeping mushrooms in the fridge is a great way to prolong their shelf life. However, it is important to note that the crisper drawer of the fridge is too moist of an environment for mushrooms and should be avoided.

The best way to keep mushrooms fresh in the fridge is to store them in a paper bag or a paper towel-lined container. Paper bags are breathable and help to absorb the moisture that mushrooms naturally release, preventing them from getting slimy. If using a paper towel, it is recommended to line a glass bowl or zip-top plastic bag with paper towels, spread out the mushrooms, and then cover them with another layer of paper towels. This allows you to check the freshness of the mushrooms daily and replace the paper towels as needed.

It is important to avoid washing mushrooms before storing them, as moisture is the number one enemy when it comes to keeping mushrooms fresh. Instead, wait to wash them until right before preparing or cooking. Additionally, keep mushrooms away from strong-smelling foods in the fridge, as their porous nature will cause them to absorb odors.

With proper storage, mushrooms can stay fresh in the fridge for up to two weeks. Be sure to check them regularly for any signs of slime or discolouration, and consume them within three days of cooking.

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