Emily Johnson
Mushrooms are a versatile ingredient, but they can be quick to spoil due to their high moisture content. The key to keeping them fresh is to avoid excess moisture and store them in a cool, dry, and dark place. One popular method is to use a paper bag, which allows for air circulation and absorbs excess moisture, especially when lined with a paper towel. This can help extend the shelf life of mushrooms beyond the typical five-day window for button mushrooms. For short-term storage, the original packaging is usually sufficient, but it's best to avoid the humid crisper drawer.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Container | Paper bag (not plastic) |
| Temperature | Cool (41°F) |
| Environment | Dry and dark |
| Airflow | Good airflow |
| Humidity | Low |
| Crisper drawer | Avoid |
| Paper towels | Line the bag or container with paper towels to absorb excess moisture |
| Washing | Avoid washing before storing |
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What You'll Learn
Avoid plastic containers and bags
It is best to avoid storing mushrooms in plastic containers or bags. Mushrooms have a very high moisture content, and plastic traps moisture, causing the mushrooms to sit in a damp container or bag. This leads to discolouration, mould, and slime.
Instead, store mushrooms in a paper bag in the fridge. Paper bags allow mushrooms to breathe, and they will keep for weeks. If you are using a paper bag, it is recommended to line it with a paper towel to absorb excess moisture and keep the mushrooms fresh for longer. If you are storing loose mushrooms, it is worth transferring them to a paper bag lined with a paper towel.
If you are storing mushrooms for the short term, it is fine to keep them in their original packaging. However, if you are storing them for longer, it is best to transfer them to a paper bag.
Additionally, it is important to note that mushrooms should be stored in a cool, dry, and dark place. The refrigerator's bottom shelf is a good option, as the crisper drawer tends to be the most humid part of the fridge.
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Use paper bags
Mushrooms are delicate and perishable, and can quickly turn slimy, wrinkled, or even mouldy. The key to keeping them fresh for as long as possible is storing them in a brown paper bag with a paper towel. Paper bags are breathable and allow for better airflow, creating a less damp environment for the mushrooms.
The paper towel absorbs excess moisture from the mushrooms and the bag, preventing the growth of mould and slime. This method can extend the shelf life of mushrooms to up to 10 days, instead of the usual 3 to 4 days. It is best to avoid the crisper drawer in the refrigerator, as it tends to be the most humid part. Instead, store the paper bag on the bottom shelf of the refrigerator.
For short-term storage, the original packaging of the mushrooms is fine if you plan on consuming them within a day or two. However, for longer storage, it is best to transfer them to a paper bag. If you are using loose mushrooms, it is recommended to line the paper bag with a paper towel.
Additionally, make sure to inspect the mushrooms before consuming them. Even when stored properly, mushrooms won't last forever. Signs of spoilage include sliminess, wrinkles, sogginess, sponginess, and a darker colour. They may also develop a smell and mould. However, if there are only a few dark spots, the mushrooms are still safe to eat, but it is best to consume them soon.
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Store on the bottom shelf of the fridge
If you want to store mushrooms on the bottom shelf of the fridge, it's best to use a paper bag. Paper bags are breathable and will prevent the mushrooms from sitting in a damp container or bag, which can cause discolouration, mould, and slime. If you're storing loose mushrooms, it's worth transferring them to a paper bag lined with a paper towel. The paper towel will absorb excess moisture and keep your mushrooms fresh for longer.
If you're storing mushrooms for the short term, it's fine to keep them in their original packaging. This is designed to breathe and is durable enough for shipping. However, if you're planning on keeping the mushrooms for longer, it's best to transfer them to a paper bag.
Make sure not to overcrowd the mushrooms in the bag, as this will prevent airflow and cause the mushrooms to spoil sooner. It's also important to note that mushrooms will dry out and lose weight the longer they are stored, so it's best to use them promptly.
Overall, storing mushrooms on the bottom shelf of the fridge in a paper bag is an effective way to keep them fresh for up to a week or more.
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Don't overcrowd the mushrooms
When storing mushrooms, it is important to keep in mind that they are highly perishable and require proper care to maintain their freshness and quality. One crucial tip to remember is to avoid overcrowding the mushrooms in their container. Here are some reasons why you should not overcrowd your mushrooms during storage:
Breathability and Air Circulation: Mushrooms need to breathe and have adequate air circulation to stay fresh. If they are packed too tightly together, they can become damp and humid, leading to faster spoilage. Moisture can get trapped between the mushrooms, promoting the growth of bacteria and mould, which will shorten their shelf life.
Bruising and Damage: Mushrooms are delicate and tend to bruise easily, especially when they rub against each other. Overcrowding can lead to increased contact between mushrooms, resulting in bruising and damage. Bruised mushrooms have a shorter shelf life and may develop soft, discoloured spots that are unappetizing.
Ethylene Production: Mushrooms, like many other types of produce, produce ethylene gas as they ripen. When stored in close proximity and in large quantities, the
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Don't store in the crisper drawer
When it comes to storing mushrooms, it is widely recommended that you avoid using the crisper drawer in your refrigerator. This is because mushrooms are highly susceptible to moisture, and the crisper drawer is designed to maintain a humid environment, which is optimal for leafy greens but not for mushrooms. By storing mushrooms in the crisper drawer, you risk exposing them to excess moisture, which can lead to discoloration, mould, and slime formation.
Mushrooms are best kept in a cool, dry, and dark place, and the crisper drawer often fails to meet these conditions due to its high humidity. Instead, it is suggested to store mushrooms on the bottom shelf of your refrigerator, where the temperature is typically cooler and there is better airflow. This helps to prevent the growth of mould and extends the shelf life of your mushrooms.
Additionally, it is important to note that the original packaging of mushrooms is not ideal for long-term storage. Mushrooms are often packaged in plastic containers or wrapped in plastic, which can trap moisture and accelerate spoilage. To mitigate this, it is recommended to transfer mushrooms to a paper bag, which allows for better air circulation and absorbs excess moisture.
When storing mushrooms in a paper bag, it is also beneficial to line the bag with paper towels. Paper towels help to absorb any excess moisture released by the mushrooms, further reducing the risk of mould and slime. This method of using paper bags or paper towels is especially useful if you plan to store mushrooms for a week or more.
In summary, storing mushrooms in the crisper drawer is not recommended due to the high humidity levels. Instead, opt for storing them on the bottom shelf of your refrigerator, in a paper bag with paper towels, to maintain freshness and prevent moisture-related issues.
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Frequently asked questions
Mushrooms can last for up to two weeks in the fridge if stored correctly.
Mushrooms should be stored in a paper bag with a paper towel to absorb excess moisture. They should be kept on the bottom shelf of the fridge, not in the crisper drawer, as this is often the most humid part.
Mushrooms should not be washed before storing as they are porous and absorb water easily. This can cause them to become slimy and mouldy. If you do wash them, make sure to dry them thoroughly with a paper towel.
Yes, but they must be treated to stop maturation first, usually by steaming or sautéing. They should then be cooled, drained, and packaged, leaving a 0.5-inch headspace.
