Emma Wilson
Mushrooms are a versatile ingredient, adding an earthy, umami flavour to a variety of dishes. However, they are highly perishable due to their high water content, and can be expensive. To ensure you get the most out of your mushrooms, it is important to know how to care for them. The key to keeping mushrooms fresh is to reduce their moisture content and increase airflow. This can be achieved by storing mushrooms in paper bags, or wrapping them in paper towels placed in open plastic bags.
How to Care for Fresh Mushrooms
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Storage | Store in a paper bag lined with a paper towel, or wrap in paper towels placed in open plastic bags (partially closed zip-lock bags are also suitable). |
| Temperature | Keep refrigerated at 40–45 °F (4–7 °C). |
| Washing | Do not wash before storing. Mushrooms absorb water like sponges and added moisture will decrease their longevity. |
| Buying | Purchase whole mushrooms, preferably loose, to allow you to select the best-looking ones and buy the exact amount you need. |
| Shelf Life | Fresh mushrooms tend to go bad within a week or less, so use them promptly. |
| Preservation | To keep for longer, freeze, pickle, or dry mushrooms. |
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What You'll Learn
- Storage: Use paper bags, partially open zip-lock bags, or the original packaging
- Temperature: Keep mushrooms cool in the fridge, at 40-45 °F (4-7 °C)
- Washing: Avoid washing before storing. Lightly rinse or scrub before cooking
- Longevity: Store whole, not sliced, and buy fresh from a grower or forager
- Preservation: Freeze, pickle, or dry mushrooms to preserve them for longer
Storage: Use paper bags, partially open zip-lock bags, or the original packaging
If you want to keep mushrooms fresh for a week or more, it's best to transfer them to a paper bag lined 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 released by the mushrooms as they age, keeping their surface slime-free. This method can keep mushrooms fresh for up to 10 days, which is significantly longer than the 3 to 4 days they would last without the paper bag and towel.
If you bought loose mushrooms, it is recommended to use a paper bag for storage. However, if you purchased pre-packaged mushrooms, you can simply keep them in their original packaging. Mushroom packaging is typically designed to allow the mushrooms to breathe while protecting them from dehydration caused by refrigeration. The packaging's perforation lets in air to dry out any moisture released by the mushrooms, so simply place the package in the refrigerator.
For short-term storage, the original packaging is fine. If you plan on eating the mushrooms within a day or two of purchasing them, it's unnecessary to transfer them to a paper bag. However, if you don't use all the mushrooms at once, cover them back up with plastic wrap punched with a couple of holes to ensure breathability.
Another option for storing mushrooms is to use zip-lock bags. Simply leave the bag partially open by zipping it closed only partway. This method allows the mushrooms to breathe and prevents them from spoiling too quickly, which can happen if the bag accidentally gets completely closed.
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Temperature: Keep mushrooms cool in the fridge, at 40-45 °F (4-7 °C)
Fresh mushrooms are highly perishable due to their high water content. To extend their shelf life, it is crucial to store them in the right conditions.
Temperature plays a vital role in keeping mushrooms fresh. The ideal temperature range to store mushrooms is between 40-45 °F (4-7 °C). This temperature range helps prevent the growth of bacteria and slows down the spoilage process. The refrigerator is typically the best place to maintain this cool temperature.
Most refrigerators can be adjusted to achieve this temperature setting. If you have a root cellar, it can also be used to store mushrooms, provided that the temperature is within the suitable range.
Additionally, when storing mushrooms in the refrigerator, ensure they are placed on a shelf rather than in the crisper drawer. The crisper drawer tends to have a high-humidity setting, creating a damp environment that accelerates the spoilage of mushrooms.
By maintaining the ideal temperature range and storing mushrooms in a well-ventilated area of the refrigerator, you can significantly extend their freshness and prevent slime formation.
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Washing: Avoid washing before storing. Lightly rinse or scrub before cooking
When it comes to washing mushrooms, the general rule is to avoid doing so before storing them. Mushrooms are highly perishable due to their moisture content, and introducing additional moisture will only decrease their longevity. Therefore, it is recommended to lightly rinse or scrub them just before cooking.
If you need to clean your mushrooms before storing them, simply brush off any clinging dirt with a soft-bristled brush or a damp cloth. If your mushrooms have a lot of nooks and crannies, they might require a gentle rinse. In this case, carefully rinse them under cool running water, massaging away any dirt with your fingers. You can also place them in a colander and rinse them all at once. After rinsing, it is important to dry them as thoroughly as possible. Use a paper towel or a clean cloth to pat them dry.
Some mushrooms, such as lion's mane, enoki, and oyster mushrooms, require extra care when cleaning. It is recommended to wash these varieties while they are still attached to the larger base. After detaching them, you may need to wash them again to ensure they are thoroughly cleaned.
Additionally, consider the type of mushroom when deciding whether to wash or rinse. Thinner, smaller varieties like chanterelles, black trumpet mushrooms, and hedgehog mushrooms can be lightly rinsed, patted dry, and then dehydrated whole. On the other hand, thicker, meatier mushrooms like lobster mushrooms, portobellos, and porcinis should be sliced before drying.
By following these guidelines, you can effectively wash and care for your fresh mushrooms while also maximising their longevity.
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Longevity: Store whole, not sliced, and buy fresh from a grower or forager
To ensure the longevity of fresh mushrooms, it is important to store them correctly. Mushrooms are very perishable and have a short shelf life. They are made up of 80 to 90 percent water, so they need to be kept dry and stored in the right conditions to stay firm and fresh.
Firstly, when buying packaged mushrooms, choose 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 are going to use them right away, whole mushrooms are better if you need to store them for multiple days.
Secondly, consider buying your mushrooms from a grower or forager to get the freshest produce 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.
When storing mushrooms, it is important to avoid moisture and to allow them to breathe. Do not wash the mushrooms before storing them, as moisture is the number-one enemy when it comes to keeping mushrooms fresh. Avoid storing mushrooms in an airtight container, as this will cause them to rot. Instead, wrap them in paper towels and place them in a bowl in the refrigerator, or store them in a brown paper bag with a paper towel. Paper bags and paper towels will absorb any moisture, keeping the mushrooms' surface slime-free for longer.
If you are storing mushrooms for short-term use, it is fine to keep them in their original packaging, which is designed to breathe while protecting the mushrooms from dehydration caused by refrigeration. However, for long-term storage, it is best to transfer them to a paper bag or wrap them in paper towels.
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Preservation: Freeze, pickle, or dry mushrooms to preserve them for longer
Freezing Mushrooms
Freezing is a helpful technique to extend the time you have to use mushrooms and reduce food waste. You can freeze fresh mushrooms to preserve them for longer. To do this, start by washing the mushrooms to remove any dirt and debris. Next, trim the woody parts and stems, and cut the mushrooms into equal-sized pieces. Place the mushrooms in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze them. Once frozen, transfer the mushrooms to a zip-top bag or container, removing as much air as possible before sealing and labelling. Frozen mushrooms are best used in cooked dishes as freezing changes their structure and texture, making them less pleasant to eat raw.
Pickling Mushrooms
Pickling is another method to preserve mushrooms and add a pop of flavour. To pickle mushrooms, start by cleaning them thoroughly and cutting them into your desired size. Prepare a brine solution using a combination of vinegar, water, salt, and spices such as garlic, rosemary, thyme, or dill. You can also add other vegetables like cauliflower and carrots for additional texture and flavour. Place the mushrooms and other ingredients in a sterilised jar, and pour in the brine until everything is covered. Seal the jar and store it in the refrigerator. Pickled mushrooms can be ready to eat in as little as 24 hours, but the flavour will continue to develop over time.
Drying Mushrooms
Drying is a simple and effective way to preserve mushrooms without the need for any special equipment. To dry mushrooms, start with fresh, whole mushrooms and wipe them clean with a damp cloth. Avoid washing them under running water as this can introduce too much moisture. Place the mushrooms in a container that allows air to circulate, such as a mesh colander or a baking rack set on a baking sheet. Ensure the mushrooms are not overcrowded and place them in a well-ventilated area, preferably with sunlight. Allow the mushrooms to air dry for 7-10 days, or until they are completely dry and do not give when squeezed. Once dried, store the mushrooms in a sealed container in a cool, dry place. Properly dried mushrooms can last for up to 2 years and can be rehydrated by soaking them in warm water for 1-2 hours before cooking.
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Frequently asked questions
Mushrooms are highly perishable due to their high water content. To keep them fresh, store them in a partially open zip-lock bag or a breathable paper bag in the refrigerator. The ideal temperature is between 40–45 °F (4–7 °C).
No, do not wash mushrooms before storing them. Introducing moisture will decrease their longevity. If necessary, lightly rinse them or scrub them with a soft brush or paper towel just before cooking.
Fresh mushrooms stored properly can last up to a week in the refrigerator. To keep them longer, you can freeze, pickle, or dehydrate them.
Buy whole, loose mushrooms instead of pre-packaged ones so you can pick the best-looking ones. Purchase them from a grower or forager at a farmer's market to ensure they are fresh and not about to spoil.
