Laura Smith
Mushrooms are a versatile ingredient, but they can be hard to keep fresh. Their high water content means they are prone to rotting or drying out. The best way to store mushrooms is in a paper bag in the fridge, which will help to absorb any excess moisture and keep them fresh for longer. If you have too many mushrooms to get through, you can also freeze them, but this will likely affect their texture. Dehydrating mushrooms is another option, but they won't taste as good as fresh mushrooms.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Storage location | Refrigerator, ideally in a brown paper bag |
| Storage container | Paper bag, glass bowl with paper towels, or airtight container |
| Moisture | Avoid moisture, do not wash before storing |
| Washing | Wipe dirt off with a damp cloth before cooking |
| Freezing | Cook before freezing, can be frozen for up to 12 months |
| Dehydrating | Dehydrate and store in a mason jar, can be rehydrated with boiling water |
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What You'll Learn
Store in a paper bag
Store Mushrooms in a Paper Bag
Mushrooms are a versatile ingredient, but they can be hard to keep fresh. Their high water content means they rot or dry out quickly. The key to keeping mushrooms fresh is to prevent them from releasing water and absorbing moisture from the air.
Storing mushrooms in a paper bag is an effective way to keep them fresh. Paper bags absorb any moisture released by the mushrooms, keeping their surface slime-free. This method is preferable to storing mushrooms in an airtight container or plastic bag, which can trap moisture and cause discolouration, mould, and slime.
To store mushrooms in a paper bag, simply place whole, unwashed mushrooms in a brown paper bag and fold the top over to seal it. If you don't have a paper bag, you can wrap the mushrooms in a paper towel and place them in a bowl in the refrigerator.
It is important to note that the refrigerator is the ideal location for storing mushrooms, so the paper bag should be placed inside the fridge. Additionally, mushrooms should not be washed before storing, as introducing added moisture will decrease their longevity.
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Use a refrigerator
Mushrooms are best stored in a refrigerator to keep them fresh. They are made of 80 to 90 percent water, and their porous texture means they soak up water like a sponge. Therefore, keeping them dry is essential to prevent them from spoiling.
When storing mushrooms in the refrigerator, the exact spot you select can influence their longevity. Avoid placing them near strong-smelling food, as they will absorb those odors. If you buy mushrooms pre-packaged, the package's perforation will let in air to dry out any moisture, so simply put them in the fridge. Cover them with plastic wrap punched with a couple of holes if you don't use all the mushrooms at once.
If you buy loose mushrooms, you can wrap them in a paper towel and place them in a bowl in the refrigerator. The paper towel will absorb moisture, helping the mushrooms stay fresh. Another option is to put them in a brown paper bag, which will also absorb any moisture released by the mushrooms, keeping them safe and fresh.
If you've already sliced the mushrooms or bought them sliced, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Sliced mushrooms will not stay fresh as long as whole mushrooms. If you are unable to use sliced mushrooms within a week, consider freezing them. However, fresher mushrooms tend to freeze better, so do this sooner rather than later.
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Dehydrate or freeze
Dehydrating mushrooms is a great way to preserve them for the long term. You can use a dehydrator or an oven for this purpose. The process involves slicing the mushrooms, drying them, and then storing them in airtight containers.
To start, discard any tough, woody stalks and slice the tender stalks into pieces about 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick. You can peel and slice large mushrooms, while small mushrooms can be left whole and unpeeled. Optionally, you can dip the mushrooms in a solution of citric acid and water to prevent discolouration.
Next, arrange the mushroom slices in a single layer on drying trays, ensuring they don't overlap to allow for even drying. If using an oven, set it to 140°F (60°C). If using a dehydrator, set it to 110°F. The drying process will take around 4 to 8 hours in a dehydrator and up to twice as long in a conventional oven.
Once the mushrooms are crispy dry, let them cool completely before transferring them to glass jars or moisture-proof containers. Label the containers with the contents and date of drying. Store the dried mushrooms in a cool, dry, and dark place, such as a pantry or cupboard, where they will last for at least a year.
To use dehydrated mushrooms, simply pour boiling water over them and let them soak for 20 to 30 minutes. The rehydrated mushrooms will have a texture similar to fresh mushrooms, and the soaking liquid can be used to add flavour to soups and sauces.
Freezing is another effective method to preserve mushrooms. It's recommended to cook mushrooms before freezing to preserve their flavour and texture. You can sauté or steam the mushrooms, although cooking may cause discolouration. After cooking, spread the mushrooms on a baking sheet and place them in the freezer until they are completely frozen. Then, transfer the frozen mushrooms to freezer bags or containers, leaving some space for expansion.
Raw mushrooms can also be frozen, but they are more prone to freezer burn and may become mushy when defrosted. If freezing raw mushrooms, it's best to slice them evenly and flash-freeze them on a baking sheet before transferring them to bags or containers. Frozen mushrooms, whether cooked or raw, should be used within six to nine months.
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Avoid moisture
Mushrooms are made of 80 to 90 percent water, and they have a porous texture, meaning they soak up water like a sponge. Because of their high water content, mushrooms must be kept dry to stay firm and fresh. The goal of mushroom storage is to prevent them from releasing water and pulling moisture from the air.
When storing mushrooms, it is best to avoid plastic containers or bags. Plastic traps moisture, and mushrooms end up sitting in a damp container or bag, which causes discolouration, mould, and slime. If your mushrooms come in a sealed plastic container, take them out and store them using a different method. This is especially important if the plastic wrap has no holes, which can trap moisture and speed up spoilage.
Instead of plastic, you can use paper bags or paper towels to store mushrooms. The paper bag will absorb any moisture, keeping your mushrooms safe and helping them stay fresh. If you don't have a paper bag, wrap the mushrooms in a paper towel and place them in a bowl in the refrigerator. Like the bag, the paper towel will absorb moisture, helping the mushrooms stay fresh.
Another option for storing mushrooms is to dehydrate them. This can be done by slicing them and tossing them in oil, soy sauce, powdered garlic, and herbs, then toasting them as a bacon substitute. This method will keep the mushrooms fresh in the fridge for weeks.
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Buy fresh mushrooms
When buying fresh mushrooms, it's best to purchase them from a grower or forager to ensure they are as fresh as possible. Buying directly from a mushroom grower or forager may also mean that you will have access to more types of mushrooms, including wild varieties that are not often available at large grocery chains. Mushroom growers and foragers can typically be found selling their goods at farmers' markets or at their farms.
If you're buying pre-packaged mushrooms, always opt for whole mushrooms over sliced ones. Whole mushrooms will typically stay fresh much longer than pre-sliced mushrooms. While pre-sliced mushrooms can be a great time-saver if you're going to use them immediately, whole mushrooms are the better option if you need to store them for several days.
When selecting loose mushrooms, choose the best-looking ones available. This will help ensure that you're starting with the freshest possible mushrooms, which will extend their shelf life. Buying loose mushrooms also allows you to purchase the exact amount you need, minimizing the need for long-term storage.
Additionally, it's important to note that mushrooms have a high water content, so they should be stored in the refrigerator to keep them fresh. They can be kept on the counter for a day or so, but for longer periods, it's best to place them in the fridge. If you buy pre-packaged mushrooms, simply pop them into the fridge, as the package's perforation will allow air to circulate and dry out any moisture released by the mushrooms.
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Frequently asked questions
Mushrooms are best stored in a brown paper bag in the refrigerator. The paper bag absorbs excess moisture, keeping the mushrooms fresh and safe to eat.
Fresh mushrooms last for about a week in the refrigerator.
No, you should not wash mushrooms before storing them. Introducing moisture will only decrease their longevity.
For long-term storage, mushrooms can be frozen or dehydrated. To freeze, lightly cook the mushrooms first to preserve their quality and flavour.
