John Miller
Mushrooms are a versatile ingredient, adding an earthy, umami flavour to dishes. However, they can be tricky to store due to their high water content. The best way to store sliced mushrooms is in an airtight container in the refrigerator. If you've purchased pre-packaged mushrooms, it's best to leave them in their original container. Otherwise, store them in a brown paper bag lined with paper towels in the fridge, where they will last for around four to five days.
How to store sliced mushrooms
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Container type | Airtight container or paper bag |
| Container material | Glass or plastic |
| Refrigeration | Yes |
| Storage duration | 3-5 days |
| Freezing | Yes, but affects texture |
| Pre-packaged mushrooms | Store in original packaging |
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What You'll Learn
Storing sliced mushrooms in the refrigerator
Sliced mushrooms are best stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They should be used within three days. If you are unable to use sliced mushrooms within three days, consider freezing them. However, it is worth noting that fresher mushrooms tend to freeze better, so consider freezing them sooner rather than later. Before freezing, lightly sauté the mushrooms in butter until they are just cooked, or steam them whole for 5 minutes (quartered or sliced mushrooms can be steamed for roughly 3 minutes).
If you are storing sliced mushrooms that come in a package, it is best to leave them in their original container. Most pre-packaged mushrooms come in containers that are already ventilated to keep them dry in the fridge. If you bought loose mushrooms, the best way to store them is in a brown paper bag lined with paper towels. Paper bags are preferred because they absorb the moisture released by mushrooms as they age, keeping the mushrooms slime-free. Mushrooms stored in paper bags will last for several days or even up to a week.
If you are not planning to use the sliced mushrooms within a week, consider drying them. Compared to freezing, this method better preserves the quality of the mushrooms while indefinitely extending their shelf life. Dried mushrooms have an intense umami flavour and can be reconstituted in a soup, stew, sauce, or stir-fry. To dry mushrooms, use a dehydrator or air-drying, which involves placing the mushrooms in a mesh container with good airflow (like a circular mesh strainer) for about a week. Once they are completely dry, store them in an airtight glass jar.
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Using an airtight container
Sliced mushrooms can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. However, it is important to note that this method of storage may not keep them fresh for very long. Mushrooms are delicate and perishable, and their high water content makes them susceptible to slime formation and discolouration.
To store sliced mushrooms in an airtight container, start by placing the mushrooms in a single layer on a paper towel. This will help to absorb any excess moisture. Then, cover the mushrooms with another paper towel and place them in an airtight container. Make sure the container is clean and dry before adding the mushrooms. Store the container in the refrigerator, preferably on a shelf rather than in the crisper drawer, as the high humidity in the crisper can promote slime formation.
It is recommended to use sliced mushrooms within three days of storage, as they have a shorter shelf life than whole mushrooms. To maintain freshness for as long as possible, avoid placing the airtight container near strong-smelling foods, as mushrooms will absorb these odours.
Compared to other storage methods, such as paper bags, airtight containers may not be the optimal choice for keeping sliced mushrooms fresh. Paper bags absorb the moisture released by mushrooms as they age, helping to prevent slime formation. However, airtight containers can trap moisture, leading to discolouration, mould, and slime.
If you plan to store sliced mushrooms for an extended period, consider alternative methods such as freezing or dehydration. Freezing mushrooms involves briefly cooking them through methods like light sautéing or steaming, then placing them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 12 months. Dehydration involves air-drying sliced mushrooms in a mesh container for about a week, then storing them in an airtight glass jar indefinitely.
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Freezing sliced mushrooms
If you want to freeze sliced mushrooms, it is best to use fresh mushrooms, as they will keep better in the freezer. Start by brushing off any visible dirt from the mushrooms and trimming their stems. It is best to avoid washing the mushrooms, as this can make them soggy and more prone to freezer burn. You can steam blanch the mushrooms to preserve them before freezing. To do this, soak the mushrooms in a mixture of 2 cups of water and 1 teaspoon of lemon juice for 5-10 minutes. Then, steam the mushrooms for 3-5 minutes and immediately place them in ice water for the same duration. Once the mushrooms are completely cooled, spread them out on a tray and freeze them until they are solid. Finally, transfer the frozen mushrooms to a labelled, resealable freezer bag, removing as much air as possible before sealing. Frozen mushrooms are best used within a year, although some sources suggest using them within three months for better texture and flavour.
Freezing mushrooms can increase their shelf life and reduce food waste, but it may negatively affect their nutrient composition, texture, and flavour. Mushrooms are high in water-soluble vitamins like riboflavin, niacin, and folate, which can break down over time in the freezer. Mushrooms also have a high water content, which can make them mushy when thawed. As such, frozen mushrooms are best suited for dishes like soups, casseroles, or blended dishes.
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Drying sliced mushrooms
To dry sliced mushrooms, you can use a dehydrator or air-drying techniques. If using a dehydrator, follow the manufacturer's instructions for the best results. For air-drying, place the sliced mushrooms in a mesh container with good airflow, such as a circular mesh strainer. Leave them to air-dry for about a week, or until they are completely dry.
Once your mushrooms are completely dry, store them in an airtight glass jar. You can also use a mason jar and vacuum seal the mushrooms for longer-term storage. Label and date the package, and store it in a cool, dry place.
To use your dried mushrooms, simply pour a little boiling water over them to rehydrate, and they are ready to be added to any dish.
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Using paper bags to store sliced mushrooms
Storing sliced mushrooms in a paper bag is a great way to keep them fresh and slime-free for longer. Paper bags are breathable and absorbent, which helps to prevent the growth of bacteria and the formation of slime.
To store sliced mushrooms in a paper bag, first ensure that the mushrooms are unwashed and dry. Wet mushrooms will not keep well in a paper bag as the moisture will be trapped, leading to discolouration, mould, and slime. Place the dry, sliced mushrooms into a small or brown paper bag and fold the top of the bag over to close it. You can also place paper towels in the bag to absorb excess moisture. Then, put the bag in the main compartment of your refrigerator. Do not place the mushrooms in the crisper drawer as this is too moist.
The paper bag will absorb any moisture released by the mushrooms as they age, keeping them fresh and dry. This method will keep the mushrooms good for 5-10 days, depending on the species and their condition. If you want to store the mushrooms for longer, you can dehydrate them or freeze them.
It is important to note that mushrooms should not be stored in plastic bags as they need to breathe. Plastic bags can cause rapid bacterial growth and prevent the mushrooms from drying out, leading to spoilage.
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Frequently asked questions
It is best to store sliced mushrooms in an airtight container in the refrigerator. If you've purchased pre-packaged sliced mushrooms, store them in their original container.
Sliced mushrooms should be used within three days. Whole mushrooms should be used within a week.
Yes, you can store sliced mushrooms in a brown paper bag lined with paper towels. However, make sure the bag is not closed tightly as airflow will help the mushrooms stay dry.
Yes, you can freeze sliced mushrooms. However, freezing affects the texture of thawed mushrooms significantly. It is recommended to cook the mushrooms before freezing them as this helps preserve their quality and flavor. Frozen mushrooms can be used in recipes such as Walnut Mushroom Bolognese or Creamy Mushroom Soup.
