Emily Johnson
Mushrooms are a versatile ingredient, but they can be quick to spoil. The key to keeping mushrooms fresh is to avoid excess moisture. Plastic containers or bags should be avoided as they trap moisture, which leads to discolouration, mould, and slime. Instead, mushrooms should be stored in a paper bag, either with or without paper towels, in the refrigerator. This method will keep mushrooms fresh for over a week.
How to store mushrooms
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Container | Paper bag, cloth bag, net bag, glass bowl, plastic bag, glass jar |
| Container characteristics | Porous, unsealed, dry, with paper towels |
| Environment | Dry, cool, well-ventilated, away from strong-smelling foods |
| Temperature | Refrigerated |
| Before storage | Cleaned, dried, unwashed |
| Duration | Up to one week |
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What You'll Learn
Paper bags are best for storage
Paper bags are the best option for storing mushrooms. They are porous and allow for air circulation, which is essential as mushrooms have a high water content and are sponges to moisture. Plastic containers or bags trap moisture, leading to discolouration, mould, and slime. Paper bags absorb the moisture that mushrooms naturally release, keeping their surfaces dry and slime-free.
Mushrooms should be stored in the refrigerator, ideally on a shelf rather than in the crisper drawer, which is too moist. They should be kept away from strong-smelling foods, as their porous nature means they will absorb odours.
Paper bags are superior to plastic containers or bags for storing mushrooms. However, it is worth noting that paper towels can also be used to absorb moisture. Wrapping mushrooms in paper towels and placing them in open plastic bags can be an effective storage method.
Brown paper bags are recommended over white paper bags, as the dye in brown paper may cause discolouration. Paper bags with or without paper towels can be used, depending on your preference.
Overall, paper bags are the ideal solution for storing mushrooms, as they address the key challenge of moisture absorption and help to maintain the freshness and quality of the mushrooms during storage.
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Keep them in the fridge
Keeping mushrooms in the fridge is a great way to prolong their shelf life. However, it is important to ensure they are stored correctly. Mushrooms are highly porous and sponge-like, so they easily absorb water and odours. Therefore, it is best to avoid keeping them in the crisper drawer, which is too moist, and instead leave them on a shelf. They should also be kept away from any strong-smelling foods.
The best way to store mushrooms in the fridge is to place them in a paper bag. Paper bags absorb the moisture that mushrooms release as they age, preventing the mushrooms from becoming slimy. Brown paper bags are recommended, and bags with holes or netting are even better as they allow for more air circulation. If using a paper bag is not possible, a small cloth bag is the next best option.
If you are using a paper bag, it is not necessary to wrap the mushrooms in paper towels. However, if you are using a plastic bag, it is important to wrap the mushrooms in paper towels to absorb excess moisture. It is also recommended to leave the plastic bag slightly open.
It is best to avoid washing mushrooms until you are ready to cook or eat them. However, if you do need to wash them beforehand, it is important to dry them thoroughly before storing them in the fridge.
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Avoid airtight containers
Mushrooms are highly perishable and can go bad very quickly. They have a high water content of 80-90% and are highly absorbent, like sponges. Therefore, it is important to avoid storing them in airtight containers.
Airtight containers trap moisture, which causes the mushrooms to become slimy and discoloured. Plastic containers and bags are the worst offenders, and mushrooms kept in these containers will develop mould and slime within a few days. Even glass containers with airtight lids are not suitable for storing mushrooms.
Mushrooms are best stored in paper bags, which allow for air circulation and absorb excess moisture. They can be kept in the refrigerator, but it is important to ensure that they are not placed in the crisper drawer, as this environment is too moist. Instead, they should be kept on a shelf.
It is also possible to store mushrooms in a bowl lined with paper towels, which will absorb excess moisture and prevent the mushrooms from becoming slimy. However, it is important to check the mushrooms regularly for freshness when using this storage method.
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Use them within a week
If you want to use your mushrooms within a week, storing them in the refrigerator is a good option. However, it's important to choose the right container to prevent moisture buildup, which can cause slime formation and discolouration.
For short-term storage, keeping mushrooms in their original packaging is fine, but only for a day or two. If you want them to last longer, transfer them to a paper bag, preferably brown, with a paper towel lining. This will help absorb any moisture released by the mushrooms as they age, keeping them fresh for up to a week.
Avoid using plastic bags or airtight containers, as these can trap moisture and cause the mushrooms to spoil quickly. If you don't have a paper bag, you can wrap the mushrooms in a paper towel and place them in a bowl or open plastic bag in the fridge.
Another option is to cook the mushrooms before storing them. Sautéed or cooked mushrooms can last in the refrigerator for up to ten days. You can also freeze cooked mushrooms for up to a year. However, freezing raw mushrooms may affect their texture, making them mushy when thawed.
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Don't wash them until you're ready to cook
When storing mushrooms, it is important to keep them dry and unwashed until you are ready to cook. Washing mushrooms can introduce excess moisture, which will accelerate spoilage. Mushrooms are like little sponges and will absorb any water they come into contact with. This can make them slimy and cause them to spoil faster. Even a quick rinse can leave enough moisture for bacteria to thrive. Therefore, it is best to wait to clean your mushrooms until you are ready to use them.
When you are ready to cook your mushrooms, it is important to clean them thoroughly to remove any dirt or debris. To clean mushrooms, you can use a damp paper towel or a soft-bristled brush. Gently wipe or brush each mushroom to remove any dirt or residue. If your mushrooms are particularly dirty, you can also give them a quick dip in cold water and then dry them thoroughly with a cloth or paper towel before cooking.
Another option for cleaning mushrooms is to use a salad spinner. Place the mushrooms in the basket of the spinner and fill it with cold water. Swish the mushrooms around gently, and then drain the dirty water. Repeat this process a few times until the water remains clear. Then, spin the mushrooms in the salad spinner to remove most of the water, and then
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Frequently asked questions
Mushrooms should be stored in a paper bag with a paper towel in the fridge. They can be kept in their original packaging for up to three days but will last much longer in a paper bag.
Mushrooms have a very high moisture content and their original packaging is designed to be durable for shipping, not to breathe. This means that the mushrooms will spoil much quicker.
Mushrooms stored in a paper bag can last for up to two weeks.
